Early Mark making and Writing

At our Nursery, we believe that mark making is the very beginning of writing.

Writing gives children a voice. From their very first marks, children begin to express their thoughts, ideas and feelings, helping them communicate with the world around them.

Long before children form letters, they explore making marks through movement, play and creativity. These early experiences support imagination, confidence and physical development, laying strong foundations for later writing.

We nurture enthusiastic learners who enjoy creating, exploring and sharing their ideas, helping every child feel proud of their attempts and excited about communicating.

What Is Mark Making?

Mark making is any action that leaves a trace. This might include:

Drawing with crayons or pencils
Painting with brushes or fingers
Making lines in sand, foam or flour
Creating tracks with cars
Drawing patterns with chalk
“Writing” messages during role play

These early marks may not look like letters — and that’s exactly how it should be.

Through mark making, children learn that:

Their ideas matter
Marks carry meaning
They can communicate through symbols
Tools can be used purposefully
Creativity and imagination are valued

Every early mark is a step towards writing.

From Birth to 4 – How Early Writing Develops

Children develop early writing skills gradually and in their own unique way:

Babies and Young Toddlers

Explore textures and materials
Use whole-body movements
Enjoy sensory mark making (paint, water, foam, sand)
Begin to notice cause and effect

Toddlers

Make random lines and shapes
Enjoy copying adults
Begin to give meaning to their marks
Build shoulder and core strength through large movements

Preschool Children

Draw circles and simple shapes
Begin to represent people and objects
Show interest in letters and their own name
Attempt early letter-like forms
Use marks in play (shopping lists, signs, cards)

All children develop at their own pace — we celebrate every stage.

How We Support Mark Making & Early Writing

We believe children need opportunities to think, feel and experience before writing becomes meaningful.

We carefully plan rich experiences that support the whole child:

✔ Physical Development

Strong bodies support confident writing. Children climb, crawl, balance, push, pull and move in big ways to develop core strength and shoulder stability.

✔ Fine Motor Skills

Activities such as dough play, threading, tweezers, construction and small-world play strengthen hands and fingers.

✔ Language & Communication

Adults talk with children about their marks and model vocabulary:

“Tell me about your picture.”

Children are encouraged to share ideas and express themselves freely.

✔ Purposeful Mark Making

Children see writing used for real reasons — labels, registers, menus, signs and messages in play — helping them understand that writing has purpose.

✔ Daily Opportunities

Mark making is available every day, indoors and outdoors, as part of our continuous provision.

How Families Can Help at Home

You don’t need worksheets or formal writing.

Simple ways to support your child include:

Drawing with crayons, chalk or felt tips
Painting, water play and messy play
Providing paper, envelopes or notebooks
“Writing” shopping lists or birthday cards together
Talking about your child’s marks and praising effort
Building strength through play: climbing, playdough, pouring, threading

Most importantly — keep it fun and pressure-free.

Every Mark Matters

We believe confident writers begin as confident movers, explorers and communicators.

By nurturing mark making from birth, we help children develop:

Physical readiness for writing
Strong communication skills
Creativity and imagination
Independence and self-belief

Every mark matters — and every child’s voice is valued.