“You can make anything by writing.” – C.S. Lewis
Every child’s journey with writing begins long before they can spell a single word. Those first playful scribbles, wobbly lines, and imaginative symbols are more than just marks on paper. They’re the first steps toward expression, communication, and confidence.
At Celebree School of Columbia-South, we understand that writing development isn’t about perfection. It’s about progress. By understanding the stages of writing development in early childhood, parents can better support their children’s growing skills and celebrate each milestone along the way.
Stage 1: Scribbling – The First Language of Expression (Ages 1–3)
It all begins with joyful movement. Children experiment with crayons, markers, and even their fingers to create colorful scribbles. These early marks are how they discover cause and effect: how their actions can make something appear.
How You Can Support This Stage:
- Offer chunky crayons, paintbrushes, and sidewalk chalk.
- Encourage free play with art—no need for rules or “coloring inside the lines.”
- Ask open-ended questions like, “Tell me about your picture!” to connect words with ideas.
- Focus on fun, not form. Every swirl and line is practice for future control and creativity.
At Celebree School, we provide opportunities for big, bold movements that strengthen fine-motor muscles and help little hands grow steady.
Stage 2: Letter-Like Forms – Writing Starts to Take Shape (Ages 3–4)
Children begin to realize that writing has a purpose. They create shapes and patterns that mimic letters, and sometimes “pretend write” while playing restaurant or post office.
How You Can Support This Stage:
- Label items around the house—door, cup, chair—to show that words represent real things.
- Keep a small writing station stocked with paper, markers, stickers, and envelopes.
- Write alongside your child—modeling is one of the best ways to teach.
- Encourage pretend writing, even if it’s just loops and lines.
In the classroom, Celebree teachers weave writing into imaginative play, helping children connect print to meaning while keeping learning light and joyful.
Stage 3: Strings of Letters – From Names to “Words” (Ages 4–5)
As children gain more control, they start writing letters—often from their own name—and combine them into “words.” They might not spell real words yet, but they’re learning direction, spacing, and the visual rhythm of writing.
How You Can Support This Stage:
- Practice writing your child’s name together—it’s a powerful confidence booster.
- Sing the alphabet song while tracing letters in sand, salt, or shaving cream.
- Display their work proudly—it tells them their words matter.
- Celebrate effort over perfection. Each attempt is an act of courage and curiosity.
At Celebree School of Columbia-South, we bake in loads of opportunities to practice and get creative.
Stage 4: Sound-Spelling – Connecting Letters and Sounds (Ages 5–6)
This is when the magic of phonics begins. Children start to connect sounds with letters, often spelling words the way they hear them (“KT” for “cat”). It’s inventive and wonderfully imperfect!
How You Can Support This Stage:
- Read aloud daily and emphasize beginning sounds.
- Encourage your child to “write what they hear.”
- Play rhyming games to boost sound awareness.
- Keep writing materials handy for spontaneous creativity.
The teachers at Celebree use storytelling, sound games, and journaling to strengthen early literacy. As a result, your child’s curiosity transforms into confident expression.
Stage 5: Sentences and Storytelling – Finding Their Voice (Ages 6–7 and Beyond)
Now, children are ready to form sentences, organize thoughts, and tell short stories. Writing becomes a way to communicate feelings, share ideas, and make sense of their experiences.
How You Can Support This Stage:
- Read and discuss stories together: talk about what makes them exciting or funny.
- Provide a journal for daily writing or drawing.
- Encourage writing for real-life purposes—thank-you notes, grocery lists, or letters to grandparents.
- Celebrate imagination and progress, not just punctuation or spelling.
At Celebree, we celebrate storytelling in all forms. Our students write about their favorite activities, family adventures, and classroom discoveries: building voice, vocabulary, and confidence.
How Celebree School of Columbia-South Nurtures Young Writers
Writing development is an adventure that starts with creativity, and builds a bridge towards confidence. At Celebree School of Columbia-South, we integrate writing into every part of the day. From journaling in the preschool classroom to storytelling in pre-kindergarten, we make writing fun, purposeful, and personal.
Our teachers provide support and guidance through every stage. They encourage children to explore and express themselves freely. We celebrate every letter, every story, and every bit of imagination that helps children find their voice.
Learn more about how Celebree School of Columbia-South supports language, literacy, and creativity through play-based preschool programs.
