✏️ Writing & pencil control · Ages 3–4 · about 2 weeks

Marks with a Message

Goal: Make a drawing or marks that carry a message, and tell someone what they mean.

For parents: Early writing may look like lines, dots or scribbles. Ask about the meaning rather than guessing. You can write your child's spoken words beside their marks, with their permission.

Do together

  1. A list for pretend shopping

    You need: Paper and crayons

    Pretend you need roti, mango and daal. Invite your child to make a list using pictures or marks. Let them tell you what each mark means. Use their list as you pretend to collect the food.

  2. A note for someone

    You need: Paper and a crayon

    Ask who your child would like to give a note to. They can draw or make marks, then tell you the message. Offer to write their words beside it. Read them back and give the note to the chosen person together.

  3. A place for my picture

    You need: Paper and crayons

    Invite your child to draw something they enjoyed. Ask whether they would like to add a mark for their name. They may use a familiar letter, a line or another mark. Ask them to tell you about both the picture and their name mark.

Talk about it

  • What would you like your marks to say?
  • Who is your message for?
  • Can you tell me about this part of your drawing?

Words to use

  • mark
  • draw
  • message
  • list
  • name
  • tell

Play

  • Trace It
    Pre-writing
  • Match Paths
    Matching & connecting
Play these games free

Every game is free for every family until 20 November 2026.

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