Three to Eight Year Old Writing Lessons - Beginning to write In this phase children experiment with marks on paper to try to work out the connection between spoken and written language. They scribble and make marks on paper as they copy adult writing. Sometimes they try to communicate a message through their scribbles. Invite children to write or dictate stories, and to draw pictures to make individual books about their stuffed-animal friends. Put out a variety of jewelry-making materials such as beads, yarn, and buttons for children to use to make necklaces, headbands, and other accessories for their animals.