Parents often wonder how to support their children’s emergent writing in the early years - and the answer may surprise you! A play-based educational curriculum considers the cognitive, physical, and social-emotional aspects of children’s development. Let’s consider a child’s physical development first:
Human development moves from core to shoulders, elbows, wrists, hands, and then fingers. Core strength, stable joints, and bilateral coordination are foundational skills before children begin writing or tracing letters. So how do children develop these skills? Core strength activities like climbing, hanging, rolling, and pulling are often innate for children and also support later academic success. Writing requires a progression from gross to fine motor control, starting with large movements and gradually moving to smaller, more controlled movements. It is essential to meet children where they are at developmentally before preparing them for where they are going. Movement is necessary for children’s development, especially children under age 7. Neglecting gross motor development or emphasizing academic skills, such as writing, at the expense of play fails to meet young children at their stage of development.
Children ages 2 to 6 years old operate primarily from the limbic system, a group of structures in the brain that regulate emotion, motivation, behavior, and memory. During this critical period of early childhood, children are developing their beliefs about themselves as learners. Lifelong dispositions such as attention span, curiosity, confidence, and resiliency are being cultivated.
Drawing and writing encourage similar skills for young children. Drawing shapes often comes more naturally to children than man-made letters while developing the same muscles and movements. Marks should always be valued, regardless of if they accurately represent a letter or shape. This not only communicates to children the purpose behind writing, but also encourages them to keep practicing which leads to more confidence and proficiency.
Children approach literacy with an innate curiosity. They see adults writing letters and creating words to communicate and express ideas. Writing allows children an outlet to express their individual perspective, as well as a social opportunity with others. Here are some helpful tips for encouraging emergent writing in meaningful ways:
● Write a special item on the store list This could be the grocery list, Target/Amazon list, or maybe something special for Back to School or upcoming holiday such as Halloween costume. (Tip: for younger children, these marks may look more like scribbles, then letters - that’s okay! The value is in the meaning behind the mark, not the mark itself)
● Write a card This could be an invite or thank you for a birthday, thanking a grandparent or family member for a special day together, or inviting a friend over for a playdate (Tip: have your child write one generic thank you and make copies to reduce the amount of writing needed on each card. Then, the child can add the recipient's name and a personal message or drawing to each individual card)
● Add a special event to the calendar Think about an upcoming playdate, visit to special place or family member, trip, or event at school that is meaningful to your child and have them write it on a print-out monthly calendar (Tip: think of a key-word initially to keep the writing succinct)
● Create a meaningful word bank Children gravitate towards the names and words that hold meaning for them. Most children are curious about the letters in their own names first, and then names or titles of loved ones (such as Mom, Dad, or pet’s name). Think of hobbies and interests too - names of Monster Trucks or Dinosaurs; names of animals or colors; and names of meaningful places, such as Target… it’s a favorite for many! (Tip: write each word on an index card for easy storage in the card case. Including an image of each word on the card to encourage children to independently “read” and write - this also helps children make the connection between a logo for a store and how symbols become a form of literacy)
