Kellogg, in her research of over 2000 children has identified over 20 basic scribbles.  As young children progress from scribbling to picture making, they go through four distinguishable stages: placement, shape, design and pictorial.  Each stage provides insight to parents and teachers of the child’s mental development.  These shapes and scribbles are the rudiments of letters and numbers as the child develops their fine motor skills.

Ten Parental Encouragement Essential Ingredients:

1. Enjoy the masterpiece and effort.
2. Find a place to display the work. 
3. Instead of saying “What a beautiful  _______”  Say, “Tell me about this exciting picture.”
4. Provide a place and materials that will encourage the creative and imaginative expression. Remember washable markers and non-toxic crayons are must.
5. Since children enjoy creating large pictures, have plenty of paper for them to scribble on.  Don’t forget the brown bags from the grocery store. They can be cut and turned over to provide great paper at an affordable price.
6. Children need to create their own images. Avoid coloring books. Stressing staying within the lines before the child has fully developed their fine motor skills can discourage the willingness to try.
7. Encourage language development by asking questions concerning the colors and what is happening.  Encourage the sharing. 
8. Be sure to say “You really had fun with this one! How did you do this? Stressing the process not the product.
9. Have a place to store and date the special pictures.  Have you thought of a scrapbook or photo album? Be sure to date them. You will be surprised how the child will enjoy seeing their pictures especially when they are older.
10. If you have to throw the work away, why not ask your child which ones are the “keepers.” Selecting some of the work to share with grandparents and others also validates your child’s efforts. Have the child throw the extra ones away.

What’s in a scribble” -The whole wonderful world, according to your child’s development and perception.  “Scribbles are the beginning of a great future.  Enjoy

Dr. Fil.
Educational Director
Young Explorers Schools

Play aids the child in learning to be part of the group.

Group play provides children with the opportunity to practice social skills with their age mates.

Play teaches cooperation and teamwork.

Group play requires that children give and take, wait, etc.

Play teaches the learning of rules.

A group of children will make up and enforce many rules and regulations governing their play.

Play provides a child with the opportunity to test his limit &

Through play, the child learns what he is able to do and what he is not yet able to do.

Play pro v/des a chance to test ideas.

Children learn to test and modify their ideas.

Play develops sportsmanship.

Through play, a child learns that one cannot win always. He also learns that others must also have the opportunity for a chance to try.

Play teaches a child respect for others.

Through group play, a child learns that others may disagree with him, yet remain friends.

Play teaches about life.

Play teaches how to get along with others and adjust to playing with other people.

Play teaches a child about conflict,

A child learns that we will not always agree with others but he also learns that solutions can be found.

Play develops a child physically.

As a child learns to play hard, his body grows. He learns that muscular development is needed for a strong body.