Scribbling toward learning and self expression

Young children’s early scribbles may not be masterpieces but they are key endeavors in the process of learning. Young children are motivated by their own marks on paper. What does this mean with regard to learning in general?  Start with the conceptual freedom to explore the material; go on to the development of hand/eye coordination. Add to this the expansion of ideas and seeing instantly the results; and give credence to the value of having on hand a physical limitation of space (the paper size) and the restriction of being able to work within it. The young child has complete control over this space, unlike anything else he or she is able to control, and is not only satisfied but delighted to work within its confines. We all know that accepting the concept of limitations within freedom is a necessary. The crucial thing to remember in light of the importance of scribbling toward learning is that young children are motivated by their own marks on paper. Thus, skipping scribbling and going directly on to, let’s say, copying (which I cringe at the very thought of) is like skipping breakfast, acknowledged as the most important meal of the day. So from the age of two to four, there is a lot going on in the brain and hand with pencil or crayon on a piece of paper. You must never, repeat never, draw on the child’s paper either to “instruct” or share, or invade the invaluable learning process underway.