Learning to write is a three-step process for kids:
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It starts with scribbling, then drawing and then it finally moves to write. These stages of writing depend primarily on a child’s fine motor skills. As their skills to use their hand and fingers improve, so does their ability to first scribble, then draw and then write.
Let’s take a look at how the development of fine motor skills helps children to reach the writing milestone.
Role Of Fine Motor Skills In Scribbling, Drawing & Writing
Fine motor skills is the coordination between the child’s small muscles – those present in their hands, wrists, and fingers in coordination with their eyes. This motor skill also involves strength, fine motor control, and dexterity. It enables the function of grasping, holding and writing. Below are some general guidelines for fine motor skill development in the context of scribbling, drawing and writing.
One To Two Years: Can scribble with a crayon in the fist
Two To Three Years: Works on perfecting their drawing skills and writing letters/numbers
Four To Five Years: Start writing words
How To Encourage Your Child To Write
1. Random Scribbling
The child, after learning how to grasp a crayon/pencil, will start scribbling on random surfaces.
What to do: You can give your child a paper to scribble. At this stage, a child would do random scribbling.
2. Thoughtful Scribbling
The child will have a particular thing in mind and will try to scribble it on paper. You will also be able to see scribbling patterns like left to right or top to bottom while they scribble.
What to do: Ask your child what they are scribbling and write the name of the thing below their scribbling. They will start associating the word with what they have scribbled.
3. Drawing
The child will improve their scribbling skills, and now you can call it a drawing. You will see a better image representation of what they wish to draw. You will also see various shapes like circles, squares, rectangles, etc., in their drawing.
What to do: Ask your child to draw particular things like a ball, an apple, etc. Continue the practice of writing the name of the things your child has drawn. You will see that your child will start developing an interest in what you have written and will try to copy it.
4. Random Writing
The child will start writing random letters by coping from the things around them like newspapers, the brand name on AC, TV, etc. These letters might be broken or written upside down, but remember that your child is still in the learning stage and will gradually learn to write properly.
What to do: Early learning can benefit your child in future. You can teach your child to write a letter with the help of Magnetic Alphabets. Stick one letter at a time to the magnet board and let your child learn to write.
5. Proper Writing
The child will now be able to write words and numbers clearly. They still might misspell words, but they will master the art of writing as they start learning the same in school.
What to do: Ask your little one to craft a perfect circle ball using the enchanting Wooden Letter and Object Maker and then write the word “BALL” on paper. It’s not just a gift; it’s a journey of learning and fun, wrapped in a beautiful package with all the tools they need to shape their letter-writing skills.
Remember that there is no need to push your little one to move to the next stage while writing. Let them take their own time. Learning to write is a complex process for kids; it is the coming together of experience, muscle and cognitive development.
Happy writing!
