Find a new place to draw – the world is your canvas

What to try 

• Try using a stick to draw in mud, or in a sand pit, while at the park. 
• Your toddler might prefer using their fingers. You can encourage them to draw in shaving foam when they’re in the bath, or use their fingers to ‘draw’ in a food spill when at the table.  
• If you notice they have a preferred way to leave their mark, try to offer this opportunity as much as possible and over time offer them paper and crayons as well. When they’re ready to, they might decide to use the paper as a new canvas for drawing, doodling and eventually writing. 

Good to know 

Many toddlers don’t get excited about using paper with crayons, but don’t worry that they won’t enjoy drawing, doodling or scribbling at all.  

Look for opportunities to make marks in unusual places during your routine, and while you’re playing. They will be practising and mastering the same skills, just in a different way.