Early Learning Progressions

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: 42-48 Months

Click here to go to all skills for ages 42-48 Months.

Begins to write the letters of own name; marks begin to resemble actual letters in the child’s name, although some letters, such as those with diagonal lines (e.g., K, N, M, Y), are difficult

Situations for Observation of Skill

Have paper and pencil or markers for the child.

Elicitation Strategy

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

Behavior Observed

The child begins to create actual letters, but his letters may be formed in an unusual sequence or look out of balance. The child makes letters with straight lines more easily.

Routines-based Intervention (Embedded Instruction)

Early childhood educators and parents should involve children in writing for multiple purposes. The more practice the children have with writing in interesting activities, the more enthusiastic the children will be about learning to write.

North Carolina Early Learning and Development Progressions: Birth to Five