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Marks Have Meaning!

As parents, witnessing the first scribbles and marks your child makes with pens, pencils, and paint brushes is a remarkable milestone. These seemingly random creations are more than just lines on paper they are the initial steps in your child’s exciting journey towards writing and self-expression.

 

Understanding Mark Making 

Before letters and numbers take shape, children embark on the mark-making phase. These early scribbles and lines are a crucial part of their cognitive and motor development. Each mark represents a unique expression, reflecting your child’s thoughts, feelings, and discoveries. Embracing and understanding the significance of these initial marks lays a strong foundation for the writing skills that will follow.

 

 

 

Creating a Mark Making Environment

  • Accessible Writing Tools – Ensure your child has easy access to age-appropriate writing tools such as chunky crayons, washable markers, and large pencils. These tools are easier for small hands to grasp and manipulate.
  • Variety of Surfaces – Offer a range of surfaces for mark making, from traditional paper to chalkboards, whiteboards, and even sidewalks. Experimenting with different textures adds a sensory element to the experience.
  • Non-Traditional “Canvases”: Encourage mark making in unexpected places, like the bathtub with bath crayons or on a foggy window with fingers. This not only makes the process enjoyable but also introduces creativity in unconventional settings.

 

 

Celebrating Mark Making 

  • Displaying Artwork – Showcase your child’s creations proudly. Displaying their artwork on a dedicated wall or refrigerator reinforces the value of their efforts.
  • Conversational Encouragement –Initiate conversations about their marks. Ask open-ended questions about what they’ve created and listen attentively. This builds their confidence and encourages verbal expression.
  • Positive Reinforcement – Offer praise and positive reinforcement for their efforts. Celebrate the uniqueness of each mark, emphasizing the process rather than the final result.

 

 

 

Getting Ready to Start Writing

As your child approach their school-age milestone , you’ll likely observe a shift in their mark-making with more meaning behind each mark. It’s an ideal time to support your child to strengthen their little fingers and develop their pencil control.

There are so many daily activities such as rolling playdough, gardening, picking up objects using tweezers, threading or help you to cook. Allow your children to observe your own writing practices. Additionally, create opportunities for them to engage in pretend writing, perhaps by adding playful scribbles to the bottom of your shopping list. These simple activities play a crucial role in developing their pencil skills and preparing them for the exciting world of early writing.

 

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