The motivation to draw and write is powered by play

You may think that driving a toy jeep around the drive-way and  developing the skills to write or draw have no connection but my two-year-old grandson would demonstrate that there is a strong connection between the two…

The motivation to write is powered by play! By Teach Preschool

My daughter and I have been introducing crayons and other writing materials to my grandson for quite some time. Not in any kind of formal sit-down-and-do-it-this-way approach but through casual opportunities.  For example, while at a restaurant, we  are given kid menus and a pack of crayons. We will often sit and color and even invite my grandson to give it a try too. For the longest time, he preferred to roll the crayons off the table and quite honestly, he still prefers to roll the crayons off the table…

The motivation to write is powered by play! By Teach Preschool

But now that summer time is here, pretty much everyday is all about playing outside so our drawing has focused more on drawing with chalk on the driveway. I keep a bucket of chalk by the garage door at all times and while my grandson runs around and plays, my daughter often naturally models the drawing process by doodling on the driveway…

The motivation to write is powered by play! By Teach Preschool

By modeling the drawing process and inviting my grandson to join in, my daughter has been naturally and gradually introducing my grandson to the writing process. But in order for my grandson to want to draw or write, the motivation has to be there too. As for most young children, the best source of motivation is often times found through their play. Today, the motivation for my grandson was discovering that he could take a clipboard with paper on it outside and even put it in his jeep…

The motivation to write is powered by play! By Teach Preschool

I’m not sure what was going on inside that little mind of his but I watched (mostly through the lens of my camera) as my grandson would drive around a bit then stop and make a few marks on his paper and then drive off again…

The motivation to write is powered by play! By Teach Preschool

The motivation to write is powered by play! By Teach Preschool

This was the first time I had observed my grandson take a genuine interest in the idea of drawing on paper or drawing anywhere else for that matter…

The motivation to write is powered by play! By Teach Preschool

As my grandson continues to integrate mark-making into indoor and outdoor play experience, the development of his fine motor skills and his interest in the writing process will continue to be nurtured. And I have to tell you folks – watching a child develop new skills through play is super exciting stuff!…

The motivation to write is powered by play! By Teach Preschool

Available on Amazon

Deborah J Stewart

Deborah J Stewart

Every time I think I know everything I need to know about teaching young children, God says, "Hold on a minute!" and gives me a new challenge.

Let me tell ya...

With each new challenge that you overcome, you will find yourself better equipped and more passionate about teaching young children.

God didn't call wimps to lead, teach, or care for His children. Nope, he has high expectations, so get ready. You will have to give your very best but after teaching for over 30 years, I can tell you that it is a wonderful and rewarding journey.

Whenever your calling feels hard, just remember, 'He who began a good work in you (and in the children you serve) will be faithful to complete it.'

Subscribe to My Newsletter

Latest Blog Posts

P is for Pizza!

While learning about the letter “P” we decided to explore with pizza! Pizza is an all-time favorite food for many preschoolers, and activities involving pizza

Read More »