Domain: NC Foundations for Early Learning: Language Development and Communication (LDC)

Subdomain: Foundations for Writing

Goal: Children use writing and other symbols to record information and communicate for a variety of purposes.

Skill Progression: Use writing and other symbols to record information and communicate for a variety of purposes

Age: 21-24 Months

Click here to go to all skills for ages 21-24 Months.

Observe the child with paper and a crayon or marker, first spontaneously, then after watching an adult.

Give the child markers or crayons and paper on a small table, where the child can be stable and comfortably reach the paper. Let the child mark on the paper independently.

The child prefers circular marks. He stabilizes the paper with one hand and makes marks with the other, moving his whole arm.

Encourage parents to give the child a place and time to draw. The child will say his scribbles represent a drawing. Early childhood educators and parents can ask what the child is making and make their own drawing. Draw alongside of the child. Demonstrate how to make a vertical line for a road, then drive a small car down the road. The child will want to make a road too. This type of imitation will prompt the child to try making different directional strokes.