From Scribbling to Stick Figures

As scribbling continues to develop you’ll begin to recognize shapes and figures. This will typically occur around 2 years of age. They will tell you that shapes represent your house or something that went on in their day like a school activity. They begin to explain the stories behind the forms, shapes and stick figures. This is a fun time because your child starts to realize the power of communication.

At the age of three, motor and cognitive skills are becoming much more refined and developed. You may start to see figures that look like letters and multiple pictures may be strung together to create a story.

How can you help move your child’s development of writing skills along. Here are some activities that you can have your child do that can help:

· Make sure you have a lot of markers, crayons, pencils, and paper in places around your home so your child can scribble anytime they want.

· Offer your child a choice of colors in paper, pencils, markers and crayons. The more colorful the better.

· Encourage their creativity. Offer to take all of your child’s masterpieces to work or put it all on the fridge. Show them you are proud.

Encourage them to do projects that reflect everyday life:

· Create a menu and play restaurant

· Have them write out checks to play store

· Have them create a program for their big play or dance recital

· Have them create tickets to the show they are putting on

· Have them write a note to you every night before they go to bed

· Make scribbling a lot of fun by scribbling with pudding, ketchup, yogurt or other edible items

· Frame your child’s next family portrait and hang it in a place where everyone can see.