Domain: NC Foundations for Early Learning: Health and Physical Development (HPD)

Subdomain: Motor Development

Goal: Children develop small muscle control and hand-eye coordination to manipulate objects and work with tools.

Skill Progression: Drawing

Age: 21-24 Months

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Observe the child with paper and a crayon or marker, first spontaneously, then after watching an adult.

Give the child markers or crayons and paper on a small table. Let the child mark on the paper independently. Draw balloons with strings along with the child.

Children prefer circular marks. They stabilize the paper with one hand and make marks with the other, moving their whole arm.

Encourage parents to give children a place and time to draw. Children will say their 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. Provide models for drawing the sun, sun rays, moon, flowers, road signs, grass, etc.