iRubric: Early Writing and Drawing Skills rubric

Children grasp the writing instrument with their fist.

Children grasp writing instruments with thumb and forefinger with the forearm turned away from the body, the crayon or pencil is held toward the thumb and the shoulder directs the movement.

Children grasp the writing instrument between the thumb and two fingers, and the movement comes from the wrist or elbow.

Children grasp the writing instrument between the thumb and two fingers and the movement comes from the hands or fingers.

Random Marks
Children make random marks using a writing instrument.

Pretend Writing
Children make attempts to copy writing. It usually appears as letter like symbols and squiggles and lines. Children form letters, especially those in his or her name using clay, wires, sticks. Children write one or two letters and perhaps their first name, though not consistently.

Children write various letters in random arrangement using a writing instrument. Children will often cover an entire page with letters. Children write their first name.
Children may begin to identify their writing as puposeful- such as a letter to Grandma, a book, an invitation to a party

Children write letters in a patterned arrangement as they become more aware of print and print direction. Children write identifiable letters in vertical or horizontal patterns.
Children write their first and last names as well as words they see in their print environment.(books, labels, posters, etc) Children ask how to spell words and copy them as dictated in a linear form. Children consistently write for a purpose, and identify it as such, a note for my mother, a grocery list ,etc.