Graphism in Early Childhood: Supporting Writing Readiness in PYP Classrooms is a course that invites you into the fascinating world of how young children express their thinking, feelings, and understandings through marks, drawings, and early writing. Adapting th point of view of the PYP philosophy of learner agency, play-based inquiry, and transdisciplinary learning, this course empowers you to recognize, support, and document the development of graphic expression in children aged 3 to 6.

Through a combination of theory, reflective practice, and hands-on strategies, you will learn:

The stages of graphism development, from random scribbles to representational writing.

How graphic expression connects to communication, thinking, literacy, and the PYP’s Approaches to Learning (ATLs).

Practical ways to design invitations, provocations, and classroom environments that support graphism naturally.

How to observe and document children’s graphic journeys as part of their Learning Stories, Portfolios, and Units of Inquiry.

This is not about rushing children into formal writing—it’s about understanding the beauty and purpose of mark-making as a universal language of learning. Whether you are just starting your career or moving into an IB setting for the first time, this course will give you the confidence and tools to support writing readiness the PYP way: through joy, agency, and authentic experiences.

Observation Rubric – Graphism Development

Parent Communication Guide: How to talk about graphism at home

PDF Guide: Ideas to Integrate Graphism in the PYP Inquiry Cycle

PDF Guide: Practical, hands-on ideas to designing Learning Environments for Graphism

PDF Guide: Handling Common Challenges in Graphism Development

Infographic to share with parents about Graphism

Graphism in Early Childhood: Supporting Writing Readiness in PYP Classrooms

Course Overview

Meet the course producers