2.5y–4.2y10 minArtFree playFamily time
‘I’m Writing!’ Big Page Meaning Maker
An affirming mark-making session where you notice and encourage your child’s marks and the meaning they give them, treating their scribbles as purposeful writing.
What you'll need
Essentials
- a large piece of paper (or the back of a clean cardboard box)
- crayons, pencils, or washable markers
- a pen for you (adult writing)
Nice to have
- stickers or stampers (optional)
- tape to display the finished page
- an envelope or small bag for ‘posting’ the writing
Movement level: low
What you'll do
The 4-step guide, with what to look for at each step, is for signed-in parents.
What this develops
- MilestoneAttends to book contentMind· 18mo–2.6y· core· Step 3
- MilestoneUses mark-making toolsBody· 22mo–2.8y· core· Steps 1, 4
- MilestoneDistinguishes between the different marks they make.Mind· 22mo–3y· core· Step 4
- MilestoneAnswers simple open questionsMind· 2.3y–3.3y· core· Step 2
- MilestoneGives meaning to own drawings or marksMind· 2.8y–3.8y· core
What it practices
Where it comes from
- Source
- Development Matters in the EYFS (DfE, 2012)
- Original guidance
- “Notice and encourage the marks children make and the meanings that they give to them, such as when a child covers a whole piece of paper and says, “I’m writing”.”
- License
- Open Government Licence v3.0
- Attribution
- © Crown Copyright 2012 (Development Matters in the EYFS, DfE)