3yo very reluctant to draw - fun mark making ideas

[Hermagsjesty]

My DS’s nursery have mentioned that he’s very reluctant to draw. He’s 3.5yo (starting Reception in Sept). They also mentioned grip is really not good. Anyone got any fun mark making ideas to inspire him..?

[Imaginosity]

Maybe he needs to work on his motor skills - gross and fine motor?

www.ot-mom-learning-activities.com/fine-motor-activities.html

If you think he has an issue with motor skills I would take him to an occupational therapist.

[Witchend]

Ds wasn't keen on writing (still isn't). However he discovered the message facility on a Nintendo dsi and wanted to join in with his dsis messaging each other so he did on that. Still didn't like putting pen to paper though. dh agrees with him

[Hermagsjesty]

Thankyou so much! I think none pen and paper fine motor skills might be a good place to start...

[magicroundabouts]

Does DS like Lego or play dough? These are great for developing fine motor skills.

Also, you could try chalk for drawing on paving slabs in the garden or shaving foam in a tray.

[Hermagsjesty]

I did wonder that... There are a few left-handers in the family so could be...

[NotAChristmasCakePop]

Drawing with a stick in sand/soil is good.

Play dough and cutting with small scissors are good for motor skills too.

[laramumofboys]

Definitely fine motor skills activities, my sons preschool use paintbrushes in sand, or making marks with fingers in flour, finger painting, doesn't have to be with a pen, if grip is an issue big chunky crayons might be easier for him :-) or stampers x

[Hermagsjesty]

Thankyou! He got bath crayons for Xmas which he’s really loved and his big sister is off school for the holidays and drawing ALL THE TIME which seems to have sparked his interest a bit... Drawing in sand/ soil/ flour is a great idea - he loves anything messy!

[Thirdshepherdfromtheleft]

My 5 year old ds has been like this until very recently, last Christmas my mum gave him colour your own Christmas cards and it almost caused world war 3 getting him to do them. After one term in Reception I wouldn't know him, he draws and writes at every opportunity, spends half his spare time writing us Christmas cards and his favourite present was a tiny pad and pen set that he got in a cracker.
I think sometimes it's just a maturity thing and you need to let them pursue their own interests.