Mark Making and Pre-Writing

When we look at our little toddlers we wonder how on earth they are going to learn all they have got  to master so they are able to access learning and express themselves when in school! This section of my blog is about learning to write but I shall concentrate on the early pre-writing skills as I am passionate about the early building blocks of learning which happen mainly in the home. I hope this section will be helpful and give parents/carers some simple ideas to help their child develop the skills they need.
Children move through many stages before they are able to record their thoughts in written form and the learning begins when they are really small...
From 1-2 years writing begins with random scribbles...up and down, side to side and in circles.
From 2-3 years children learn to imitate vertical, horizontal lines and circles in a more controlled way.
From 3-4 years they learn to copy those lines and begin to draw shapes and can physically hold a pencil correctly in a writing position.
From 4+ children begin to learn to form letters, moving on to write simple words and to learn the power of the written word!
Of course all children need to have the opportunity to practice all these skills using a variety of tools and in a variety of contexts.
Here are some activities that will help your child develop their mark making skills (pre-writing skills) so they are ready to become real writers!

Activities to encourage pencil grip and rotation.
Play-dough Pinching, squeezing with the thumb and forefinger, poking, rolling and quiet simply enjoying playing with the squidgy stuff!

Sorting and manipulating small objects Threading, sewing, weaving, using tweezers, filling and emptying containers, using pipettes, posting and mastering inset puzzles.

 

 

 

 

Use a simple trigger spray These can be purchased for under £1.00 from places like Wilko's

 

Finger rhymes Stretching and curling the fingers, moving them independently to point and count. Circling the arms and responding to the rhyme with actions.

Messy play  A variety of materials that can be poured, stirred and manipulated.

Craft activities Sticking, cutting, painting, drawing, colouring and decorating.

Begin by gathering resources and make them accessible for your child to self select. I have made a collection of activities, each in their own small zipper bags that I can quickly access and are small and handy enough to pop into a handbag when out on a trip with, or visiting my grandchildren.

 

Create a Writing Box which can be carried around the house, into the garden and even on holiday or day trips out.