| Most parents are generous and encouraging when it | | | | Another question would be, how to start? Children |
| comes to providing their toddlers with toys. They enjoy | | | | learn best through modeling. You can start by having |
| watching their child play with soft toys, toys that light | | | | drawing sessions with your toddler on your lap. Even |
| up, noisy toys, toys that move, etc.... Basically, parents | | | | better if you illustrate while telling a story. Don't worry if |
| are always keen on things that can enhance their | | | | your dinosaur looks like a dog. You do not need to be |
| toddler's coordination, movement and thinking abilities. | | | | Van Gogh to teach your child what a pencil can do. |
| However, an important "toy" that is often overlooked is | | | | Later, give them a pencil and see what they do with it. |
| that of a pen or pencil. | | | | Some toddlers may need to be taught how to hold it. |
| Many parents are apprehensive when it comes to | | | | Some are naturals and will take it like fish to water. |
| arming their toddler with a pen or pencil. Below are | | | | It is important that you do not rush your toddler into |
| some of their concerns: | | | | drawing shapes and writing alphabets. Allow the free |
| 1. It's dangerous. What if he pokes his eye out? | | | | expression of scribbling as it is a crucial stage to their |
| 2. She will just draw everywhere. It's so troublesome | | | | development. You disrupt their learning process when |
| to clean off her scribbling on my wall, floor and tables. | | | | you ignore their scribbling and push them to learn how |
| 3. He can't even control his movements yet. He just | | | | to "draw properly". |
| scribbles. I'll let him have a pen when he is older. | | | | Another important factor is to make writing fun. Writing |
| It is better to find solutions to your concerns then to | | | | doesn't just have to be paper and pencil. Children love |
| deprive your child of a wonderful learning experience. | | | | to experiment with blackboards and chalks, and white |
| A toddler that is not given ample opportunities to | | | | boards and markers. Kindergartens these days can |
| scribble is at a disadvantage. | | | | dish out really boring work. Kids come home copying |
| Now, you may ask, when do I start? The answer is | | | | the strokes over and over again. Where is the |
| simple, start when they are ready. Every child | | | | excitement? How about blowing up a balloon and then |
| develops at a different rate. For example, younger | | | | scribbling on it? How about pretending you're a |
| siblings may pick up the skill earlier and quicker | | | | policeman scribbling a summon? |
| because they have an older sibling to model after. You | | | | Prewriting skills starts from the home and not in |
| know your child best. Provide the opportunities and | | | | kindergartens. So parents, provide the opportunities, be |
| observe their readiness. Once they are ready, have | | | | creative and be encouraging. Your child's potential is |
| pencils and paper readily available and easily | | | | waiting to be discovered. |
| accessible to encourage the learning | | | | |