Building Foundational Writing Skills in Early Childhood Classrooms

Writing is more than a classroom activity. It’s a critical part of how young children learn how to think, understand their feelings, and share their ideas. From the very first scribbles with crayons to building letters and, later, writing sentences, these early experiences set the stage for future literacy success and self-expression.

Recent research highlights how handwriting activates brain networks related to memory, language, and learning. For young children, writing by hand is a uniquely integrative activity: It engages fine motor coordination, letter-sound awareness, and language development all at once. But to build these skills, students need developmentally appropriate play-based strategies that meet them where they are.

As an occupational therapist and learning developer at Learning Without Tears, which takes a multisensory approach to literacy and writing instruction, I’ve seen firsthand how multisensory structured writing-readiness activities help children thrive. With the right mix of movement, materials, and mindset, preschool and kindergarten educators can spark writing development in ways that feel natural and fun for young students.

WHAT DOES WRITING LOOK LIKE IN EARLY CHILDHOOD CLASSROOMS?

Writing looks noticeably different in early childhood classrooms than in older elementary ones due to the significant differences in student development. At the beginning of pre-K, children’s writing often begins with scribbles, random marks, or drawings that may not resemble letters but represent their ideas and attempts to communicate. Children may tell elaborate stories about their pictures or name the letters they believe they’ve written, demonstrating early symbolic thinking and a desire to communicate.

By kindergarten, children begin formal handwriting instruction and start putting their letter-sound knowledge into practice. They often label drawings with words, using invented spelling to represent sounds. Kindergartners’ work becomes more readable and organized as they experiment with spacing, sentence structure, and clarity. This progression reflects their growing understanding of how written language works and their ability to communicate more clearly through writing.

Writing in pre-K and kindergarten is all about laying a strong foundation for future literacy. At this stage, children are developing fine motor skills, visual recognition, and understanding of how letters are formed. The most effective instruction goes beyond pencil and paper, using playful hands-on strategies and tools that make learning both fun and meaningful.

PREPARING early elementary STUDENTS FOR WRITING

Before writing begins, it is important to ensure that students are set up to write effectively. Students should be seated at desks or tables that support an upright seated posture where their feet touch the floor. They should use tools such as crayons and pencils that are small enough for them to grip, allowing them to build hand strength and control.

MULTISENSORY STRATEGIES TO SUPPORT WRITING SKILLS DEVELOPMENT

Engaging visual, auditory, and kinesthetic senses reinforces letter formation, supports fine motor skills development, and makes learning feel fun for students. Teachers can engage these senses through a variety of activities, such as the following:

The Wet-Dry-Try method. This structured approach from Learning Without Tears guides children through tracing letters or numbers using a small sponge, a paper towel, and chalk. The three-step process of tracing the letter with a sponge (wet), repeated tracing with a piece of paper towel (dry), and finally tracing the letter with a piece of chalk (try) builds muscle memory, confidence, and familiarity with correct formation in a developmentally appropriate way.

Structured play-based activities. Activities like rolling Play-Doh, lacing beads, or using tweezers help build hand strength and coordination—key precursors to writing that prepare young hands for more controlled movements with pencils and crayons. When children want to use crayons, teachers can have children place textured objects (like leaves, coins, sandpaper, or stencils) under a sheet of paper and have students rub over the paper with the side of a crayon. This is a great way to build hand control and pressure with the writing tool.

Music and movement. Songs and dances that mimic letter shapes or sounds reinforce key concepts in a fun and memorable way. Teachers can have children march around the room or in place chanting the letters of the alphabet (“M says mmm as I march!”). Students can participate in yoga while singing the alphabet song (“B is bend like a banana”). Rhythm, repetition, and physical motion all support the development of both literacy and motor skills.

Drawing and scribbling. Early “writing” or mark-making through drawing and scribbling supports motor planning and creativity. Incorporating the Mat Man activity—where children build and draw a person using wood pieces and a mat—encourages pre-writing skills such as spatial awareness, size recognition, sequencing, and body awareness.

Early elementary WRITING ACTIVITIES OUTSIDE THE CLASSROOM

Family involvement is also a powerful predictor of writing success. Studies show that children who write with support at home produce longer, more conventional writing and demonstrate stronger letter knowledge and phonological awareness. When families are engaged, the benefits of writing extend beyond academics to include emotional growth and stronger family bonds.

When families actively participate in literacy development, the benefits extend beyond academic gains to include emotional growth, self-expression, and stronger family bonds.

There are many simple yet effective ways families can support writing at home. Home-based writing activities include labeling household items, creating daily to-do lists, and writing letters to relatives or friends. Schools can strengthen school-home connections by sending home flash cards, manipulatives, and sentence-building activities; encouraging journaling; and using online literacy platforms for continued practice. Additionally, creative writing projects such as inviting children to discuss their own personal narratives or create their own books with the help of their families can further enhance motivation and self-expression.

By integrating writing into daily routines and fostering a supportive environment, families can play a vital role in developing their child’s writing confidence and skill.

THE LASTING IMPACT OF WRITING SKILLS

From the earliest scribbles to polished compositions, writing is a cornerstone of child development. Its benefits extend across cognitive, emotional, and academic growth, supporting everything from memory and comprehension to confidence and creativity. When educators and families embrace multisensory strategies, developmentally appropriate instruction, and strong school-home partnerships, together they can empower young learners to become confident thinkers, communicators, and creators—one word at a time.