Watching You Scribble
Here's What To Do
1
While I watch you, use a dark colored crayon to write, draw, or scribble on white paper. Make big, simple marks that are easy for me to see.
2
Dip my finger in a bowl of water and let me 'finger paint' on a dark colored piece of construction paper.
3
Show me when older children are drawing or coloring. Describe the colors and shapes they make.
4
Throughout the day, show me how you write things down. Talk about what you're doing.
Put PEER Into Action
P
Pause:
- Sit with me at a table so I can see you write and draw.
E
Engage:
- Talk about your drawing as you draw. Like: "Round and round I go! I'm making blue circles!"
- Talk about things you write down. Like: "I'm writing our grocery list. We need apples, bananas, and bread."
E
Encourage:
- Let me hold a crayon. I will probably bang it, put it in my mouth, or drop it, but holding helps me practice my grip.
- Notice my reactions when I 'finger paint' with water. Describe how I'm feeling and what I'm seeing.
R
Reflect:
- Do I seem to have an interest in watching other people write or draw?
Not quite ready?
If your child is not interested in watching writing or drawing, try again in a few months.
Ready for more?
Give your child a crayon and paper, and see if they attempt to scribble.
As your child masters this skill...
They will become interested in the concept of drawing and writing.