Understanding the stages of writing development during the preschool years can be enlightening for parents. I recall a moment when I collected my 2.5-year-old from school, and his teacher eagerly showcased his artwork to me. At first glance, it seemed like just a sheet blanketed in purple paint. But she highlighted the remarkable focus and control he demonstrated to cover every inch of that paper. Suddenly, that piece of art took on new significance in my eyes.
Grasping the developmental stages of writing during the toddler and preschool years enables us to truly appreciate the essence of our children’s doodles and drawings. This guide aims to help you see past mere “scribbles” and delve into the budding creativity of your 2 or 3-year-old.
Stages of Writing Development
| Age | Stage | Examples |
| 2-3 years | Scribble | Uncontrolled (random marks) Controlled (coordinated eye-hand movement) |
| 2-4 years | Shapes | Circles, squares, ovals, triangles, rectangles |
| 3-5 years | Designs | Suns (with rays) Radials (lines extending from a center point) |
| 4-5 years | Humans | Makes a “sun face” Horizontal line from each side as arms; two long lines from the bottom as legs; may make circle hands and feet |
| 4-5 years | Pictorial | Animals with pointed ears Houses, cars, trees, flowers |
The Evolution of the Sun in Child Art
A fascinating observation in child art is the frequent depiction of the sun. This universal symbol often serves as a precursor to drawing human figures. The sun’s rays transform into arms, legs, and hair, while the central circle evolves into a face with eyes, ears, nose, and mouth.
Documenting Your Child’s Artistic Journey
To witness the evolution of your child’s art, annotate the back of each artwork with the date and their description of it. Even if it’s a lone line they call a “shark”, that’s their perception! Preserve these pieces and, over time, both you and your child can marvel at their artistic progress.
The Runaway Bunny
Take your child on a learning adventure with “The Runaway Bunny” Learning Kit! Based on the beloved story, this kit offers a comprehensive educational experience, covering subjects like math, literacy, social studies, science, and more.
Nurturing Artistic Growth in Young Children
Wondering if your child is a budding Picasso? Children typically transition to representational drawings around the age of 5. However, artistic freedom and validation play pivotal roles in fostering any innate talent they possess.
Explore our range of free printables to support your child’s artistic journey.
Sheryll is the proud mom to 3 boys (3, 7, and 14-years-old) and wife to her better half. She is the founder and CEO of TigerKubz and is on a mission to empower parents with tools to easily engage their little learners. When Sheryll is not thinking of creative ways to make learning experiences of everyday life, changing diapers, or chasing after her kids, you may find her in the kitchen trying out new recipes, attempting to fish on a nice day, or jamming out to Disney singalongs with Alexa.
