Emergent writing skills

Emergent writing skills are the fundamental skills children need to develop before they are able to write. 

These skills contribute to the child's ability to hold and use a pencil, and the ability to draw, write, copy, and colour.

Pre-writing skills don’t have to be developed by sitting at a table and doing 'writing' tasks.

Writing requires well-developed gross and fine motor skills, critical thinking and creativity. The process of writing takes years to master, each new skill that is learnt is then developed and taken to the next level.

Children are fast learners. From early on, your toddler will be interested in pens, pencils, general mark making. The earlier you give your child the opportunity to start making marks with pens, pencils, paint, crayons, the more keen they will be to build on their growing skills and talent. 

Your child will start out by making scribbles, lines and whatever wonderful creations they come up with. This experimental stage is important. Your child is developing daily, their gross motor skills such as standing, walking and reaching for items will develop alongside their fine motor skills such as those used to grip a pen.

Children start writing by scribbling, an activity most toddlers enjoy. To do it, they must develop coordination, allowing them to hold the pencil, stop the paper from moving beneath their hand and still be able to apply enough pressure to make their marks on the paper. Coordination to hold the crayon, keep the paper still, and apply enough pressure to make a mark on the paper.

As their skills improve, they will start to realise that they are not only making marks or creating patterns but they will be able to repeat similar shapes, lines and patterns as they develop their own creative abilities.