Mark Making for EYFS 

Mark making is a crucial aspect of early years education, serving as the initial step towards developing writing skills. It involves children using various tools to make marks on different surfaces, helping them express themselves and communicate through visual means. These activities not only lay the foundation for writing but also foster creativity and exploration. 

The significance of mark making lies in its ability to prepare young children for writing by developing their ability to control writing implements and understand the concept of symbols representing objects and ideas. Through engaging activities, children start recognising patterns and shapes that are fundamental in writing. Encouraging mark making from an early age builds the essential skills needed for more complex literacy tasks. 

Developing Fine Motor Skills 

Fine motor skills involve the coordination of small muscle movements, particularly those in the hands and fingers, with the eyes. These skills are critical for performing everyday tasks such as buttoning a shirt, using utensils, and importantly, writing. Developing fine motor skills in early childhood sets the groundwork for later academic achievement. 

In the context of writing, fine motor skills enable a child to hold a pencil correctly, control its movement, and apply the correct pressure to make clear marks on paper. Strengthening these skills through activities like decorating baubles can significantly impact a child's ability to write legibly and comfortably. 

Decorating baubles with different patterns is an excellent way to enhance fine motor skills. As children manipulate crayons, markers, or other tools to follow dotted lines, they practise the precision and control needed for writing. This activity aids in strengthening the hand muscles and improving hand-eye coordination, making writing a less daunting task. 

Materials Needed for Decorating Baubles: 

To embark on this creative journey, you will need several materials, including: 

• paper baubles in various colours 
• crayons, markers, chalk or paint 
• and possibly stickers or glitter for added decoration.  

The paper baubles should feature light dotted lines in patterns such as zigzags, waves, and swirls to guide the children's mark making. 

Ensure that crayons and markers are suitable for small hands – perhaps provide pencil grips for markers to help those who may struggle - and that the paper baubles are of a size that allows for comfortable handling. If some materials aren't readily available, consider using coloured pencils instead of crayons or printing patterns on card for a sturdier base. 

Step-by-Step Guide 

The first step in this activity is to set up a workspace that encourages creativity. Lay out the materials on a table where children can easily access them. Ensure that each child has a set of paper baubles and a variety of mark-making tools at their disposal. 

Guide the children to follow the dotted lines on each bauble, encouraging them to use different colours and patterns. Demonstrate how to hold the crayon or marker and apply it to the paper, emphasising steady, controlled movements. Encourage them to experiment with colours and combinations to make each bauble unique. 

As the children work on their baubles, offer assistance as needed, helping them recognise and replicate the patterns accurately. Provide positive reinforcement and celebrate their efforts to boost their confidence and enjoyment in the activity. 

Exploring Patterns 

Each pattern has distinct characteristics that can help develop visual and motor skills. For example; the zigzag pattern involves sharp changes in direction, requiring precision and control. Wavy lines, on the other hand, flow smoothly and help in understanding rhythm and continuity in movement. 

Encourage experimenting with these patterns by combining different colours and techniques. This experimentation not only enhances fine motor skills but also fosters an understanding of how different patterns can create diverse visual effects. 

Encouraging Creativity and Individual Expression 

Allowing children the freedom to choose their own colours and patterns is essential in fostering creativity and individual expression. This autonomy encourages children to express their unique personalities and preferences through their work, boosting self-confidence and pride in their creations. 

While it's important to provide guidance, its equally crucial to avoid stifling creativity. Offer gentle suggestions instead of direct instructions, allowing children to make their own decisions about their artistic choices. This approach not only nurtures creativity but also encourages problem-solving and decision-making skills. 

Benefits of Pattern Recognition and Replication 

Recognising and replicating patterns offers numerous cognitive benefits. It enhances children's ability to observe and interpret visual information, a skill fundamental in various learning areas, including maths and reading. Understanding patterns also helps in developing logical thinking and problem-solving abilities. 

Pattern recognition can be integrated into other learning activities, such as sorting objects by shape, size, or colour, and even in early numeracy tasks. By engaging in activities that require pattern replication, children strengthen their cognitive and perceptual skills, laying a robust foundation for future learning. 

Top Tips for Boosting Children's Confidence in Writing 

Encouraging reluctant writers can be challenging, but employing strategies like providing choice, celebrating small successes, and using engaging materials can significantly boost a child's confidence. Allow children to select their own writing tools and topics to increase their engagement with writing tasks. 

Praise and positive reinforcement are powerful motivators. Recognise effort and progress, no matter how small, and provide specific feedback that acknowledges the child's improvements. Incorporating fun elements into writing tasks, such as storytelling with picture prompts, can make writing a more enjoyable and rewarding experience.