Helping Little Hands Become Confident Writers

Did you know that before your young child ever writes their first word, they’re already becoming a writer? Those little scribbles, pretend notes, and lopsided letters are early steps in their journey. And, of course, as their first teacher, you play an important role in helping them develop writing skills. 

This blog focuses on how you can nurture your child’s writing development through play, curiosity, and connection. Many articles, such as this one from the National Association of the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), dive into the various stages of emergent writing by providing descriptions and examples to help you understand where your child is in the process. By learning more about how children develop as a writer combined with suggestions on how to support them, you’ll be equipped with the tool needed at each stage.

You can support your little one’s writing and motor skills at home as part of your everyday life. We encourage you to cheer on your child’s writing progress by not overcorrecting or focusing on perfection. Instead, try these easy, fun, and stress-free ways to help your child build the muscles, confidence, and love for writing that will last for years to come. 

1. Start with movement

Before your child can hold a pencil, they need strong shoulders, arms, hands, and fingers. That strength comes from movement and play, not worksheets. So, encourage big-body play every day to build the gross motor skills that lay the foundation for fine motor skills.

• Let them climb on playground equipment, push toy trucks through the dirt, or carry laundry to the basket. 

• Use play dough, clay, or soft dough to squeeze, pinch, roll, flatten.

• Encourage finger play — tearing paper into confetti, pulling apart beads, threading pasta, picking up small objects with tongs.

• Use “air writing” with big sweeping arm motions to strengthen movement and muscle control before shrinking down to finger motions.

All these simple activities strengthen the same muscles they’ll use to hold a crayon or pencil later. Plus, they’re just plain fun.

2. Make writing part of real life

Children learn best when they see writing used in meaningful ways. Instead of setting up “writing time,” weave it into what you’re already doing.

• Ask your child to “help” you make a grocery list. They can add their own marks or “words.”

• Leave paper and crayons near the kitchen so they can make a “menu” or “recipe” while you cook.

• Write quick notes to each other — “I love you” or “Have a great day!” — and encourage them to write or draw back.

• Label things around the home (for example, door, dog, cup) using simple sticky labels. Encourage your child to add their own mark or letter beside it.

When your child sees that writing helps people share messages, remember things, or make others smile, they’ll want to do more of it.

3. Offer fun tools and spaces

Create a little “writing station” in your home that is easily accessible and where your child can draw, scribble, or write freely. It doesn’t need to be fancy — a basket with crayons, markers, scrap paper, sticky notes, and old envelopes is perfect. They love to experiment with different shapes, textures, and tools too, so think creatively when collecting or replenishing supplies. 

Some ideas to get you started:

• Try thick sidewalk chalk outside.

• Add mini whiteboards and dry-erase markers, stamps and stamp pads, chalk and chalkboards.

• Let them use finger paint or write in salt or shaving cream on a tray.

• Include crayons, markers, chalk, and washable paint.

• Supply plenty of sticky notes and colored paper.

• Manipulatives such as pipe cleaners, yarn, or play dough are great to help build motor skills and to form letters.

The goal isn’t neat handwriting or not making a mess! It’s giving them chances to explore and feel confident using their hands and fingers to make marks.

4. Celebrate every scribble

When your child proudly shows you a page of squiggles, resist the urge to say, “What is it?” Instead, try: “Tell me about what you made!” or “I love all the lines you drew!”

This helps your child see that their marks have meaning even if they don’t yet look like words. You can write what they say underneath (“You wrote a story about our dog!”) to show how spoken words can turn into written ones. (Remember, it’s not about having them copy your letters or seeking perfection.) 

Over time, those scribbles will start to look more like letters, and their confidence will grow right along with their skills. 

5. Read, talk, and notice print together

Writing and reading go hand in hand. 

• When you read with your child, run your finger under the words or point out letters in their name. Show how you move from left to right, top to bottom. 

• As you’re out and about, spot letters on street signs, menus, labels, and business.

• Play little letter hunt games such as “I spy something that starts with M!” or “Can you find an A like in your name?” 

These moments help your child see that print is everywhere and it carries meaning.

6. Keep it light and loving

It’s easy to worry about whether your child is “on track,” but remember, every child develops at their own pace. What matters most is creating an environment where they feel free to explore.

If they get frustrated trying to write a letter, take a break. Draw silly faces instead. Praise effort over accuracy: “You worked so hard on that!” means much more than “You made a perfect A.”

Writing should feel joyful, not stressful.

7. Partner with your child’s teacher or caregiver

Your child’s preschool teacher or child care provider is one of your best allies in supporting early learning. They see your child’s progress every day and can offer great ideas for how to build on that learning at home. Ask what kinds of writing, drawing, or fine-motor activities your child enjoys most at school, and find simple ways to continue those experiences at home.

When parents and teachers work together, children get a consistent, supportive message: we’re all on the same team, cheering you on as you grow.

8. Don’t overly worry about “kindergarten readiness”

It’s natural to compare your child to others, especially when friends’ kids seem to be writing their names or reading early. But readiness isn’t a race — it’s a process. Every child develops skills in their own time, and what matters most before kindergarten isn’t how many letters they can write but how curious, confident, and eager to learn they are.

If your child isn’t yet drawing shapes, writing letters, or showing interest in books, that’s okay. Keep offering playful opportunities to explore. Ask your child’s teacher what skills they’re focusing on and how you can support them at home, whether it’s building hand strength, noticing letters, or just talking more during story time. Remember, progress often looks small day-to-day but adds up quickly when kids feel supported and encouraged.

Helping your child become a confident writer doesn’t require special lessons or expensive supplies. It happens through play, everyday life, and your encouragement. When you give them opportunities to explore, notice print, and use their hands, you’re building a strong foundation for writing – and for learning in general.

Every time you cheer for their scribbles or invite them to “help write,” you’re sending a powerful message: Your words matter.

More Resources

• Preschoolers: Tips for Supporting Learning at Home – Child Mind Institute

• Support Writing at Home – NAEYC

• Developing Writing and Spelling at Home (Pre-K) – Reading Rockets

• Early Literacy: Writing with 0-2 Year Olds – Scholastic

For more parenting resources, tips, and upcoming webinars, visit Quality Care for Children and follow us on Facebook and Instagram.