Have you ever wondered how and when children learn to write? What do scribbles mean and what purpose do they serve?
Learning to draw and write, much like learning to talk, is a process that evolves over time. The following article from Zero to Three (National Center for Infants, Toddlers and Families) describes some of the steps in this process. In addition, some tips on how to encourage drawing and writing are included.
A Scribble or a Masterpiece? How Your Child's Writing and Art Changes Over Time
The following is an interesting and practical article for parents about play from zerotothree.org. Play is an important part of early childhood and is much more than simply a way to pass time. Discover some of the facts and myths about play with a short true/false quiz, and learn about developmentally appropriate play for young children and why children repeat the same type of play, and more!
The Truth About Play by Rebecca Parlakian and Claire Lerner (Zero to Three)
For more information about the importance of play and to answer other questions related to this topic, check out the following Lucy Daniels Center articles:
Are Toy Guns Ever OK?
Taming Monsters with Imagination
This post has been submitted by Debbie Mugno.
How delightful to snuggle up with a baby and share a book! The soothing rhythm of your voice and the warmth of your body make reading together a positive and pleasurable experience. In the early months of life, babies may seem most interested in touching and mouthing books. At this stage, it is wise to have a few cloth or vinyl books available. Board books with bright, clear images and well defined pictures or photographs are most attractive to very young children. Keep in mind that particularly in this first year, children relate to their world in a very concrete manner, so choose simple stories and picture books with familiar objects. Children will often want to “read” the same book or even the same page repeatedly. Follow their lead. Help young children begin to understand that reading books can generate a wide variety of experiences. Be expressive - even dramatic, and act out the emotions in a story. Exaggerate sounds, imitate characters, and encourage children to join you. Above all, make this a time to share and enjoy – be relaxed, flexible, and focus on the experience!
For more information on reading to and with your children, take a look at our reading tips and recommendations.
