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Should we teach letter formation to very young children?

Short answer: usually not.

In the Q&A I was asked about a child keen on “writing.” What mattered wasn’t letters, it was the foundations: grip, top-to-bottom and left-to-right movement, circles starting in the right place, and letting interest lead.

When we push for letters too early, children often develop hard-to-unlearn habits. When we follow their curiosity (crayons, stickers, clipboards, standing at a table rather than sitting), we see the Characteristics of Effective Learning in action: playing and exploring, active learning, and creating and thinking critically.

Questions for conversations-

Do we prioritise mark-making before letter formation?

Are seniors and parents briefed on why timing matters?

Does our environment invite in-the-moment fine-motor practice?

❓ What’s your approach to balancing eagerness to “write” with developmentally appropriate steps?