According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), writing is a significant milestone in child development, typically emerging between 2-5 years. Writing skills build upon previous fine motor and cognitive abilities, fostering communication, self-expression, and academic success. As a parent, you play a vital role in nurturing this milestone. Here are some fun activities to encourage writing.
Why Writing is an important skill
1. It enhances fine motor skills
2. It helps to develop cognitive abilities
3. It fosters communication and a sense of self-expression
4. It also prepares children for academic success
CDC-Recommended Activities
- Drawing and Scribbling: This activity can be started at an early age, as soon as 2 years. You can provide your child with crayons, markers, and paper and let them draw or scribble whatever they want. It is not important that they should be very proficient or skilled yet. This activity just aims to help them develop some interest along with fine motor control.
- Tracing and Coloring: You can follow scribbling and drawing with proper tracing and coloring. For this, you can use stencils, templates, and coloring books with your child and encourage them to trace pre-made dots on the book or color within the lines of drawings.
- Alphabet Introduction: You can teach alphabet letters by associating them with sounds, and shapes to your child .
- Word Building: You should encourage your child to form simple words. You can start with 2-3 letter words as ‘go’ ‘cat’ ‘dog’. These are words which are easily understood by the child.
- Storytelling: After your child is able to write multiple words comfortably, you can engage in dictation with your child. This might include fun activities such as writing stories together.
Additional Tips
1. Make it Fun: Incorporate games, puzzles, and activities.
2. Provide Opportunities: Offer various writing tools and surfaces.
3. Encourage Practice: Establish a daily writing routine.
4. Praise Efforts: Celebrate progress, regardless of perfection.