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.

The adult then models drawing a straight vertical stroke, making a “road” or a “ziipp!” sound to interest the child in the movement.

After observing the adult make a straight line, the child imitates this action.

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.