🖌️ Drawing and Writing: Why Pictures Matter in Early Writing Development
Listen, writing in early childhood isn’t just about putting words on paper — it starts with pictures! 🖼️
When you let your littles draw before they write, you’re giving them their first big dive into storytelling. It builds confidence, sparks imagination, and makes them proud of their ideas.
Take a moment to pause with them, look at their “masterpiece,” and talk about the details. You’ll be amazed at how much they have to say!
💡 Why This Matters
Here is why drawing pictures sets the stage for writing in early childhood:
🪜 Drawing is the Bridge
Think of drawing as the glue that holds the stages of early writing together:
Scribbles (yes, those count!)
Drawings with meaning
Letter-like forms
Words and sentences
Drawing gives kids their first chance to express themselves — and it’s a step we don’t want to skip.
🧠 Drawing = Pre-Writing Power
Those doodles are doing more than you think!
They help kids:
Plan and organize their thoughts
Sequence events (hello, story structure!)
Express ideas even if they can’t write a single word yet
🏫 Teacher Tips (aka Dr. Kee’s Corner 😉)
🗣️ Pair Drawing with Dictation
Kids love to talk about their pictures. Write down what they say on the back — it keeps their voice authentic and lets parents see their thinking.
🏷️ Encourage Labeling (Yes, Even Invented Spelling!)
Show students how you label your own drawings and watch them start doing it too. Those “kid spellings” are golden — they’re showing you exactly what sounds they hear.
🎨 Display Their Work Like It’s the Louvre
Even if it’s scribbles, hang it up! Displaying their art builds confidence and shows them their work matters.
❤️ Don’t Rush the Magic
Drawing is a key part of the developmental flow of writing. Don’t skip it and don’t rush them to words too soon.
Take joy in watching their imaginations come to life — every scribble is a stepping stone to sentences.
✨ Your Next Step
Watching kids grow as writers is one of the sweetest teacher wins.
👋🏾 If you try these tips, share a few examples (privately) or tag me so I can celebrate right along with you!
