Welcome to Skills Spotlight, a monthly blog where a Youth Services Librarian breaks down simple early literacy tips!

You might have heard your librarian cheerfully remind grown-ups during Storytime, “Let your kids scribble!”. But what does that mean? Scribbling is part of emergent literacy, which is how young children (think birth through preschool) begin to build the skills they’ll one day use to read and write.

And scribbling isn’t just about strengthening little hands, though it does help with that too! Research shows scribbling is an important tool that helps children make sense and attach meaning to the world around them). Through scribbling, we can watch a child begin to express ideas, emotions, and stories in their own way. When A child scribbles, they are practicing problem-solving, self-expression, and early communication skills. 

Try these simple scribbling activities at home to support your child’s learning and visit any of Richmond Public Library’s nine branches to find crayons, coloring sheets, and other early literacy resources.

Keep it Basic. Dr. Ronald Ferguson suggests that children learn best through play, so turn scribbling into play! Use crayons on paper or chalk on the sidewalk. Comment on the color’s chosen or ask your child to show you different colors. Check out more information on the Basic’s here: thebasics.org.

Tape paper to a sturdy surface, like a toddler table, a wall, or the floor and let your child draw freely. While they are scribbling, talk to your child about their marks. The Illinois Early Learning Project suggest using open ended questions such as, “How did you get the crayon to make that line?”, “What did you think about saying”, or “That one looks like the D in De’Andre’s name.”.

Use both hands. Tape several markers to a roll of toilet paper and invite your child to draw using both hands. This activity helps build the upper arm strength and wrist stability. 

Try a scribble transfer. Tape a sheet of tinfoil to the table and let your child scribble on it with markers. Then lightly spritz the scribbles with water and press a blank sheet of paper on top. The design will transfer to the paper! Once it dries, glue googly eyes to turn the scribble into funky creatures!

Richmond Public Libraries’ Youth Services Team sits smiling at a table covered in aluminum foil. Markers, water bottles, and doodles are on top of the table.

Don’t have the energy to sit down somewhere and scribble? Check out Dot! Scribble! Go! by Hervé Tullet from RPL. This creative book uses the child’s imagination while still building on fine motor skills. You can also practice scribbling in the library! Visit any of our nine branches, where you’ll find coloring sheets, crayons, and other resources to support your child’s growing skills!