Children develop at different rates, some faster than others, but, up until your child’s first birthday, their fine motor skills have been developing steadily. From 12 to 18 months, he or she is ready to take hold of a crayon and start experimenting with their writing skills. By 16 months, most children have built up enough confidence, and should be scribbling away quite happily.
From 19 to 25 months, although they can’t form letters and numbers yet, they will be drawing certain shapes, will spend longer on each drawing, and will more than likely fill the page with scribbles, rather than just make one scratch. At this age, they should also be able to imitate your drawing of a line, although not too straight. This is also the age where toddlers discover what fun it is to draw on walls!
26 to 30 months will find your toddler becoming more interested in colouring and painting, and will be making an effort to draw definite objects. The squiggles that you might find on some of their drawings could be their attempt at signing his work of art.
Between the ages of 31 to 36 months, your toddler will be able to hold a thick crayon in a definite writing position. He or she is able to make up and down motions like a “v,” and between now and their third birthday will be able to make circular motions. Don’t pressurise your toddler to try and write – wait until they are ready, and excited to start on this new road.
Although all children are different and work at their own pace, if yours hasn’t started scribbling by the time he is 15 or 16 months of age, then mention it to your paediatrician. Do bear in mind though that it is very possible for premature babies to reach this milestone later than their peers.
From 19 to 25 months, although they can’t form letters and numbers yet, they will be drawing certain shapes, will spend longer on each drawing, and will more than likely fill the page with scribbles, rather than just make one scratch. At this age, they should also be able to imitate your drawing of a line, although not too straight. This is also the age where toddlers discover what fun it is to draw on walls!
26 to 30 months will find your toddler becoming more interested in colouring and painting, and will be making an effort to draw definite objects. The squiggles that you might find on some of their drawings could be their attempt at signing his work of art.
Between the ages of 31 to 36 months, your toddler will be able to hold a thick crayon in a definite writing position. He or she is able to make up and down motions like a “v,” and between now and their third birthday will be able to make circular motions. Don’t pressurise your toddler to try and write – wait until they are ready, and excited to start on this new road.
Although all children are different and work at their own pace, if yours hasn’t started scribbling by the time he is 15 or 16 months of age, then mention it to your paediatrician. Do bear in mind though that it is very possible for premature babies to reach this milestone later than their peers.
