First Scribbles With Chunky Crayons
Hand your baby their first chunky crayons and watch the magic of intentional mark-making begin — scribbling is the very start of writing and drawing.
What You'll Need
- 1Chunky non-toxic crayons (baby-safe, large barrel)
- 2Large paper
- 3Tape
What You'll Need
Chunky non-toxic crayons — look for baby-safe ones with a large barrel shape
Large paper (butcher paper, newsprint, or the back of wrapping paper)
Tape to hold the paper down
How to Play
Tape a large piece of paper to the high chair tray or a low table. Bigger paper means fewer marks on the furniture.
Offer your baby one chunky, non-toxic crayon to start. Choose a bold color that shows up clearly on white paper.
Show them how to press the crayon to paper and make a mark. Do a few strokes yourself while your baby watches.
Let your baby grip the crayon in their fist — palmar grasp is completely normal and expected at this age — and scribble freely.
Add a second color once they get comfortable with the first. Too many choices at once can be overwhelming.
Celebrate every mark. "You made a line! Look at those dots!" Point to their scribbles and describe what you see.
When your baby drops the crayon or loses interest, the session is done. It might only last two minutes, and that is fine.
Tips
Egg-shaped or triangular crayons are easier for babies to grip than round ones.
Look for crayons specifically labeled for babies — brands like Honeysticks make beeswax crayons that are non-toxic if mouthed.
Scribbling is a genuine developmental milestone. Those random marks are your baby learning that their hand movements create visible results.
Do not worry about the crayon going in the mouth. Baby-safe crayons are designed for exactly this situation.
Tape the paper down well. A baby's natural grip is so tight they will drag the paper off the table if it is not secured.
Age Adaptation Tips
For babies, focus on sensory exploration. Let them watch, touch, and feel the materials. Always supervise closely and keep small items out of reach.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does this activity take?
This activity takes about 10 min, with 2 min of preparation time beforehand.
What materials do I need?
You'll need: chunky non-toxic crayons (baby-safe, large barrel), large paper, tape.
What age is this activity for?
This activity is designed for 0-1 years. You can adapt it for younger or older children by adjusting the complexity.
Can this be done indoors?
This activity is designed for indoor play, making it perfect for rainy days or when you're staying inside.
How difficult is this activity?
This is an easy activity that requires minimal setup and supervision. Great for busy days or when you need something quick.
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