Your Child Will Learn
How to keep my coloring and painting on the paper to get ready to learn to write
Here’s What to Do
- Tape a piece of paper to a larger piece of cardboard or a tray. Tape the entire edge of the paper so there’s a clear border. (note: a large piece of paper may be helpful. Try taping two pieces right next to each other to make a large rectangle.)
- Help me trace the tape border with my finger and talk about the edge of the paper.
- Let me draw or paint. Remind me to keep my coloring or painting on the paper.
Put PEER Into Action
PAUSE
- Set up a workspace in a calm environment free of distractions.
ENGAGE
- “Let’s touch the edge of the paper. This is the edge. You want to keep your coloring inside the edge, here.”
- “Paint whatever you’d like. What colors should you use?”
ENCOURAGE
- “Uh oh! The paint went off the paper. Can you keep the brush on the paper?”
- Talk about what I’m doing, instead of the end result. Like: “I see you made a really long line with the blue crayon.”
REFLECT
- Am I able to stay on the paper most of the time?
Not Quite Ready
Let me paint or color on the inside of a shoebox lid or a large paper plate (something with a boundary).
Ready for More
Without taping the paper down, ask me to keep my coloring or painting on the paper.
As Your Child Masters This Skill
They will be able to color and paint without going off the paper, an important early skill for learning to write.
Time to Complete
10-15 minutes
Materials Needed
Paper (large piece, if possible. Or, tape 2 pieces of paper next to each other)
Tape
Piece of cardboard or tray larger than the paper