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

Finger and Crayon Marks

Goal: Make chosen finger or crayon marks and show someone what they mean.

For parents: Stay beside your child. Offer big paper and whole chunky crayons too big to swallow; remove broken pieces and loose wrappers. Letters and a pencil grip are not expected. Accept any marks, gestures or home language. Use a lightly damp fingertip for water marks, with no bowl left within reach.

Do together

  1. A place for teddy

    You need: Big paper, chunky crayons and a large soft toy

    Place big paper on a steady surface. Invite your child to mark a resting place for their toy with a chunky crayon. Ask where the toy should go and follow their pointing. Any chosen mark can show its place.

  2. A finger message

    You need: A clean washable tray and a damp cloth

    Dampen your child's fingertip with the cloth. Let them make water marks on the tray to show you something. Follow their gesture or words: "You are telling me about Ammi." Watch the marks fade, then offer another turn if wanted.

  3. Something for you

    You need: Big paper and chunky crayons

    Invite your child to make a crayon message for someone at home. Ask what they want it to mean without requiring an answer. Help them hand over the whole sheet. The reader can notice a mark and thank them.

Talk about it

  • Where shall your toy rest?
  • What would you like to show me?
  • Who is this message for?

Words to use

  • mark
  • finger
  • paper
  • crayon
  • show
  • message

Play

  • Trace It
    Pre-writing
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