At what age do children typically begin to write letters?

Children typically begin to write letters around the age of 5 years. At this stage in their development, they have achieved sufficient fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination necessary to grasp a writing instrument effectively. They also begin to understand the purpose of writing and the relationship between letters and sounds.

At age 5, many children can recognize letters more consistently and are often encouraged to practice writing their names and other significant words, which supports their literacy development. This early writing experience lays the groundwork for more complex writing skills they will develop as they grow.

While children may engage in scribbling and random mark-making at younger ages, these activities do not exhibit the specific intention to form letters. At ages 3 and 4, their writing attempts tend to be less structured and more about exploration of the writing tool than forming recognizable letters. By the time they reach 6 years, many children are expected to write more legibly and with greater ease, building on the foundational skills gained by age 5.