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: 33-36 Months

Click here to go to all skills for ages 33-36 Months.

Observe the child with a piece of paper and pencil.

Ask the child to draw a picture of something he likes. Then ask the child to write about his drawing underneath the picture. After he has drawn and written a comment, ask the child to write his name on the masterpiece.

Names include letter-like shapes with lines that intersect and circular marks.

Explain to parents that at this level children understand the difference between drawing and writing. Adults can encourage development of both by talking about children’s drawings and asking them to add details (e.g., “Where is the grass that the flowers grow in?”), drawing with children to provide a model, and asking children to label their work. Early childhood educators and parents can also model writing by taking dictation about the child’s art work (e.g., “This is the sun and this is the flower.”) This demonstrates how writing can explain ideas. Adults can also encourage children to write their names for many reasons. This gives children practice in writing specific letters and teaches sound-letter association.