Time Grade R

Message 4

Writing and drawing takes thinking and planning, it is fun for children and is real brain work!

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When children draw they realise that something real can be represented by a picture on paper. This is an important step for young children. The first time a child starts drawing, they may just make marks on the paper. It is important to encourage and support children at this stage and not to criticize their drawings or ask them to make it look better by copying your drawing.

It takes time and practice in a safe place to develop a new skill. If we laugh at children’s mistakes or embarrass them they may not feel brave enough to try again.

Help your child to think about what they want to draw and then let them have a try. They may use scribbles and markings that represent letters and this is as it should be. Your child’s writing will develop over time and so give them plenty of praise and encouragement on their journey to becoming a writer.

Children love it when an adult joins them in an activity. Talk to your child about their drawings and their writing attemptsAsk them questions that can lead to more conversation. This will help to build your child’s vocabulary and also give them a chance to feel proud of what they have done