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: 30-33 Months

Click here to go to all skills for ages 30-33 Months.

Observe the child with markers and paper next to an adult with paper and a marker.

The adult then models drawing a circle on her paper.

The child imitates the adult’s circle.

The child’s movements are becoming more precise, and scribbling can be writing or drawing. Early childhood educators and parents who involve the child in writing tasks help the child learn the reasons for writing and different writing formats. For example, parents can involve children in writing grocery lists or notes to family members (e.g., “Ian’s soccer practice is on Monday.”). Adults can also point out messages in various venues (e.g., labels and messages on food or toys), writing on signs, etc. in the community, and let the child help open the mail and read the messages. In dramatic play, provide paper and pencil as well as print materials to provide opportunities for the child to see and recreate print in her own way.