Drawing and writing: Journeys, transitions, and milestones

Children's early experimentation with mark-making is important to capture and understand as are the transitions demonstrated by children as they move from sign creation (e.g., drawing) to sign use (e.g., standard or non-standard uses of conventional print). This chapter has been written with all educators working with children from 0 to 8 years of age in mind. Milestones couched within an understanding that children take different paths to writing proficiency are used as indicators of change over time in a child's writing journey. Examples from a number of children are used as illustrations in this chapter, along with a case study of one child, Charlie, from age 3 to age 7. A case is made for collaborations across preschools and schools to facilitate shared understandings and help make the writing transition a smoother experience for many children. Drawings, writing samples, and short scenarios support the chapter's content. Advice for working with parents is provided. Reflection prompts are inserted throughout the chapter, along with recommended readings.