• Mark-making in early childhood education is far more than preparing children for writing.

    It is one of the earliest ways babies, toddlers and preschool children communicate ideas, develop theories, solve problems and make their thinking visible. In this online professional development course, Early Childhood Teacher Janine Kelly draws on more than 30 years of experience across Australia and Canada to help educators recognise, value and intentionally extend children's mark-making through meaningful play-based learning.

  • We often believe:

    Mark-making is about preparing children for school.

    Children need worksheets.

    Children should learn to hold a pencil correctly.

    The goal is writing their name.

    The Truth

    Children begin making meaning long before they begin writing.

    Every line...

    Every swirl...

    Every symbol...

    Every mark tells the story of thinking in action.

    When educators understand the learning behind children's marks, they stop focusing on the product and begin valuing the process.

    Why This Matters

    A richer discussion supported by research and your own classroom experience.

  • What You'll Learn

    This practical professional development course will help you see mark-making through a new lens and give you the confidence to create meaningful learning experiences that support children's thinking, creativity and communication.

    Throughout this course, you'll explore how to:

    🖍️Understand Mark-Making Discover why mark-making is about communication, creativity and thinking—not just handwriting.

    👀Observe with Intention Learn to recognise the learning behind every line, swirl and symbol.

    🌿Create Inspiring Environments Design spaces that invite exploration, curiosity and creative expression.

    📚Support Literacy Naturally Connect mark-making to literacy without rushing formal writing.

    💡Take Practical Ideas Back Leave with strategies you can use immediately in your setting.

  • Who Is This Course For?

    This course is designed for anyone passionate about supporting children's learning through meaningful, play-based experiences, including:

    • Early Childhood Educators
    • Educational Leaders and Pedagogical Leaders
    • Centre Directors and Service Leaders
    • Family Day Care and Dayhome Educators
    • Early Childhood Students and New Graduates
    • Educators working with babies, toddlers and preschool-aged children

    Whether you're new to the profession or an experienced educator, you'll gain practical, evidence-informed strategies to confidently support children's mark-making and make their learning visible.

  • Why Learn with STEPPING STONES?

    Practical, evidence-informed professional learning created by educators, for educators.

    ✓ Over 30 years of experience in early childhood education
    ✓ Early Childhood Teacher supporting educators across Australia and Canada
    ✓ Self-paced online learning with the option to purchase a membership for lifetime access
    ✓ Certificate of Coopletion included
    ✓ Practical strategies you can implement immediately

  • What Educators Are Saying ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

    "An incredible opportunity to collaborate and learn with and from education professional, Janine. So generous with her time, personal hands-on experience in the field, knowledgeable and holistic in their approach (looking at the whole child).

    Thank you so much for a refreshing, valuable, inspiring and practical workshop. Highly recommend."
    — Victoria, Educational Leader

  • Ready to See Children's Learning Differently?

    Every mark tells a story.

    Discover how to recognise the thinking, creativity and communication behind children's mark-making—and create environments where every child can thrive.

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