The Georgia Early Learning Standards Activity Guides may - gapitc

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Foundations for writing include both cognitive and fine motor skills. Children
must learn that words can be written down. They must also develop the ability
to use writing tools. A balanced early childhood program focuses on both aspects
of pre-writing skills.
Children learn the purposes of writing as they observe adults writing in meaningful
ways. Some examples include: labeling pictures with the child’s name, making
signs to post in the Dramatic Play Center, and using children’s dictated words to
make a class book.
Help the children begin to learn to move across paper from left to right. For
example, they can arrange a row of stickers from left to right on a piece of paper.
It is helpful if teachers draw a little arrow at the top left side of the paper to
remind the children to start on the left.
Three year olds will have limited ability to use writing tools to form letters or
shapes. Encourage them to practice and experiment but do not expect them to write
alphabet letters with the correct shape and direction.
Due to individual and developmental differences, some children will spend extended
time in writing activities. Other children will prefer more active, large
motor activities. Follow the child’s lead and do not force them to “write” before
they are ready.
The phrase“Tell me about your picture,” invites the child to express several ideas
about his drawings or scribbles. Asking the question,“What is it?” typically gets
a one-word or limited response.
Three year olds begin to show a preference for using their right or left hand.