How your toddler 'draws' can determine if they are ready to 'write' | The Times of India (2024)

Certainly during the preschool years, parents are substantially concerned about their children's handwriting development. Kids usually begin experimenting with writing and drawing tools at a young age. They either make markings on the paper and/or imitate their parents or an older sibling writing. But did you know that drawing particular shapes indicate that your child is ready to write. Below is the information regarding all the cues that tell you about your child’s pre-writing skills.

Toddlers often gain pre-writing skills in phases during their development. Most children begin learning to draw simple shapes and lines between the ages of two and five. Children first create these forms by imitating you, which means they observe you draw and then replicate the steps. Then eventually progress to just copying or drawing shapes they perceive without any guidance. It is proven that children can write letters and numbers once they can precisely draw vertical, horizontal, and diagonal lines, as well as the basic shapes of triangles, circles, and squares. Additionally, children who master these pre-writing strokes have an easier time learning to write letters and numbers legibly.

While many researchers say that drawing shapes is one of the most crucial indicators of a child's readiness to write, it isn't the only one. In reality, parents should also consider a child's gross and fine motor abilities, as well as their visual awareness as markers of preparedness to write numbers and letters.

To grip a pencil and move their hand and arm appropriately for writing, children should undoubtedly have a lot of strength in their hands and fingers.

A definite hand control, hand-eye coordination, and the capacity to cross the midline are also required of children.

To actually move the pencil on the paper, kids must be able to bend their fingers into a pencil grip and display sophisticated object manipulation.

Do remember that there is a link between writing readiness and reading readiness, so parents should keep an eye out for those markers as well.

Don't be concerned if your toddler isn't showing symptoms of being ready to write. Most children are not competent to write until the age of five or six years old. Researchers essentially emphasise the ease with which writing forms and other pre-writing abilities can be taught. At home, your kid can practise sketching shapes or lines. Additionally, you can assist them in any fine-motor skills to develop the muscles required for writing preparation. Coloring, and even playing board games are some examples of this. However, If you sense that your child isn't ready for writing at a suitable age, discuss with your paediatrician or family doctor and schedule an appointment with an occupational therapist to determine if there’s any problem related to this developmental skill.

Drawing circles, squares, triangles, and lines is definitely a reliable indicator that shows your child’s readiness to learn how to write letters and numbers in most circ*mstances but just keep in mind that never get demotivated or compare your child with other kids as things are taking time to develop, and no two children progress at the same rate. Most importantly, enjoy this wonderful period of your child's development by getting indulged with them.