Do children aged 24 to 36 months use scribbles to convey meaning?

Children aged 24 to 36 months often use scribbles as a form of expression and communication. At this age, their motor skills are developing rapidly, which allows them to experiment with writing tools. Scribbling becomes a way for them to convey their thoughts, feelings, and experiences, even if the shapes don't resemble recognizable forms.

This stage of development is crucial, as it signifies the beginning of literacy skills. Children start to understand that their marks on paper can represent ideas or objects, making the scribbles meaningful in their context. For instance, a child might scribble enthusiastically while telling a story or describing an event, indicating that they associate their marks with expression and communication.

Recognizing that scribbles can convey meaning is essential for caregivers and educators, as it helps them support children's early literacy development by encouraging their explorative writing processes and validating their creative expressions.