Learning how to Draw and Write

From around 18 months old (or sometimes earlier), children can begin to develop their drawing and writing skills.

At Imagine, we recognize that children go through different stages of development in their drawing and writing. Every stage is important, as it lays the foundation for the next stage. 

These stages (outlined below), can be read about in more detail in an excellent article from zerotothree.org.

Stage 1: Random Scribbling (15 months to 2½ years)

Stage 2: Controlled Scribbling (2 years to 3 years)

Stage 3: Lines and Patterns (2½ years to 3½ years)

Stage 4: Pictures of Objects or People (3 years to 5 years)

Stage 5: Letter and Word Practice (3 to 5 years)

A common trap that parents fall into, is comparing their child's writing skills with the skills of peers. If they feel their child's writing is not as good, they often try to give them more challenging writing tasks that the child simply is not ready for. This can lead to the child missing crucial developmental stages, suffering from low self-esteem, and create a resentment towards writing. For that reason, we do not recommend rushing your child to learn how to write letters if they have not yet mastered drawing straight lines or circles.

Instead, we should support our child at whatever stage they are currently at, even if it is below the stages of their peers. Through making writing and drawing fun, children can begin to develop a love for their work and a desire to improve by themselves!