Coloring

Did you know that using crayons, markers, chalk, and other writing instruments helps a child learn how to write? Making marks is the earliest form of writing development so I try to let the Bug have a chance sometimes though it is tough because everything goes in his mouth...

We experiment with different papers/mediums especially with markers since there is no need for you to apply pressure in order to make a mark. 

The Bug doesn't always leave the paper (or aluminum foil) taped down but that's all part of the process. (Oh yeah, until your child can coordinate holding the paper with one hand while drawing with the other (around age 3) it helps to tape it down!!!)

Note the marker all over his face. They're washable but I don't like that he wants to suck the ink out so markers don't get used a lot...

Crayon cakes are one of my very favorite writing instruments. They are cool shapes and take more pressure then the average crayon making them great for all ages! Once the Bug is old enough for us to have a stash of broken crayons, I'll post a tutorial on crayon cakes but until then you'll just have to check mine out!

These are much easier to lay out for "choices" then round crayons. I did buy some triangular crayons during the back to school craze but I'm not sure where they are...

Chalk! Sorry the pictures are blurry, I forgot I needed to take some until he was finishing...

Drawing with chalk on a chalkboard is a great time filler! Add a paintbrush and cup of water to "erase" their art and toddlers will sit still for longer. Actually the Bug might to- wait no, he'd want to drink the water...

The place where I taught didn't allow pencils (colored or other) in the rooms for kids under 3 so while I am willing to try, there's not any reason to start now!

As your child grows, drawing/writing should be encouraged. Try not to draw too much for them (it can in some cases make children feel that they can't do something) but encourage them to trace letters. We used a cool program called Handwriting Without Tears that used a "wet, dry, try" method. An adult writes the letter on a chalkboard. The child then uses a small sponge (think pincer grip here) to "wet" trace the letter. They then use a small piece of paper towel to "dry" trace the letter and lastly use a piece of chalk to "try" writing the letter themselves!