Why We Don’t Teach Writing in Early Years: A Look at Your Child’s Developing Body
Why Don’t We Teach Writing in Early Years?
At Teepee Day Nursery, we know how exciting it is for parents to watch their children grow and develop early literacy skills. You may wonder why we don’t teach writing in early years. This approach is backed by child development science and best practices designed to nurture lifelong skills.
In this blog, we’ll explore why we hold off on formal writing instruction including why we don’t teach writing in early years and how this benefits your child’s growth.
1. Building Blocks First: The Science of Muscle and Bone Development
Young children’s bones and muscles are still growing, which means they aren’t yet equipped for the fine motor control required for writing. Here’s how we focus on building the foundation for writing skills:
Muscle Development
Writing requires a high level of fine motor skills, using the small muscles of the hands and fingers. Early childhood is the perfect time to build these muscles through playful activities that strengthen them naturally. Activities like:
- Building with blocks
- Playing with playdough
- Finger painting
These activities create a foundation for fine motor control while protecting delicate hand muscles.
Bone Growth
Children’s bones are softer than adults’, making them vulnerable to strain. Instead of writing, children’s hands get the necessary exercise with:
- Threading beads
- Stacking cups
- Using tongs to pick up objects
This strengthens their hands in a way that respects their developmental stage.
2. Building Strong Foundations: Developing Core and Gross Motor Skills
Before children master fine motor skills like writing, they first need core strength and gross motor skills for good posture.
Postural Control
To sit and write comfortably, children need postural control, including strong back, shoulder, and neck muscles. Active play such as:
- Crawling
- Balancing
- Climbing
- Stretching
builds these muscles, setting the stage for writing readiness in a safe and fun way.
Crossing the Midline
Developing the skill of crossing the midline — moving a hand, foot, or eye across the center of the body — is crucial for writing. Fun activities like throwing and catching or reaching for objects help strengthen this coordination.
3. Natural Exploration and Early Literacy Through Play
We focus on pre-writing skills and language exposure in ways that feel natural and fun for young children.
Pre-Writing Skills
Rather than focusing on letters, we engage children in activities like drawing shapes, tracing in sand, and handling materials that encourage different grips. This helps children become comfortable with holding and moving objects, setting the stage for future writing.
Letter Recognition and Language Exposure
Our emphasis is on language exposure, vocabulary, and listening skills through songs, storytelling, and conversation. Recognising letters and sounds in a playful setting lays the groundwork for reading and writing later on.
4. Promoting a Positive Attitude Towards Learning
Forcing structured tasks can lead to frustration in young children if they’re not yet ready. By waiting until they’re developmentally prepared, we’re ensuring that writing feels exciting, not overwhelming.
How You Can Help at Home
Here are some playful activities to enjoy with your child at home to support motor skill development:
- Finger painting and drawing with chalk: Builds fine motor skills and creativity.
- Playdough sculpting: Strengthens hand muscles and encourages creativity.
- Outdoor play: Activities like running, jumping, climbing, and balancing support core strength and posture.
- Puzzles and building blocks: Encourage hand-eye coordination and problem-solving skills.
Trusting the Process
Remember, every child develops at their own pace. By nurturing their growth in age-appropriate ways, we’re helping them become lifelong learners and confident writers. Our goal is to create a fun, safe, and supportive environment where every child can grow with joy.
Thank you for being part of our community. If you have any questions, feel free to chat with us about our approach and what you can expect as your child grows.