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

Subdomain: Foundations for Writing

Goal: Children use knowledge of letters in attempts to write.

Skill Progression: Use knowledge of letters in attempts to write

Age: 36-42 Months

Click here to go to all skills for ages 36-42 Months.

Have paper and pencil or markers for the child.

Ask the child to write under one of her drawings her name and a label for her drawing.

The child understands that the components of letters are lines and curves. The child’s letters in “formal” writing reflect a combination of different orientations of these. In play, the child’s writing may still contain scribbling and loops.

Children like the idea of putting their ideas on paper, so adults can encourage writing by acknowledging whatever they write as being writing that carries meaning. Encourage early childhood educators and parents to model how to write specific letters or words as they are doing writing tasks.