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Big paper scribbles: a play idea for 18 to 24 months

Holding a crayon and making marks is the start of drawing and, later, writing. It takes about 8 minutes and uses a big sheet of paper or an opened paper bag, chunky crayons, tape.

Checked October 29, 2026.

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How to play

Big paper scribbles18 to 24 months · about 8 minutes

You need: a big sheet of paper or an opened paper bag, chunky crayons, tape.

  1. Tape a big sheet of paper to the floor or table.
  2. Give your toddler one or two chunky crayons.
  3. Scribble alongside them and talk about it: "Round and round! Zig, zag!"
  4. Hang their work up at their height.

Builds: moving and using hands and language and talking. Holding a crayon and making marks is the start of drawing and, later, writing.

Safety: Stay close; toddlers still test crayons with their mouths.

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