Early Atlas

Activity

First Scribbles

Toddlers explore large crayons on big paper, making marks and talking about what their scribbles show.

Ages 10–36 months

Inspired by Reggio Emilia Montessori mark-making writing drawing toddler

Supports this milestone

  • makes marks and uses them to represent objects or actions. — Head Start ELOF

Explore milestones →

Materials

  • Large non-toxic, washable crayons or markers
  • Big sheets of paper, taped down at the corners

Steps

  • Offer a chunky crayon and invite the child to make marks.
  • Let the child explore freely; resist correcting or directing the marks.
  • Make your own marks alongside and describe yours, "I'm drawing a long line."
  • Ask, "Tell me about your drawing," and listen to what the marks mean to them.
  • Write down the child's words near their scribble and read them back.

Variations

  • Mark-make in shaving cream, sand, or with water on a chalkboard.
  • Tape paper to a wall or easel for big arm movements.

Differentiation

  • For beginners, use chunky crayons or adapted grips and accept any mark.
  • For older toddlers, invite them to draw something specific and name it.

Accessibility

  • Offer adapted grips, finger paint, or a tablet for children developing fine-motor control.
  • Let children mark in textured materials if holding a crayon is hard.

Safety

  • Use only non-toxic, washable tools large enough not to be a choking hazard.
  • Supervise closely so crayons are not mouthed.

Practices these skills

Evidence

Early Atlas