Mark Making

Term from Primary Education industry explained for recruiters

Mark Making refers to the early stages of writing development in young children, where they create various marks, scribbles, and drawings as a way to communicate and express themselves. This is a fundamental skill in early childhood education that leads to writing and literacy. It includes everything from random scribbles to more purposeful drawings and eventually letter-like shapes. Teachers and education professionals use this term when discussing early writing development and pre-writing skills. It's an important developmental milestone that shows how children are beginning to understand that marks and symbols carry meaning.

Examples in Resumes

Developed activities to encourage Mark Making through sensory play

Created dedicated Mark Making areas in classroom to promote early writing skills

Implemented Mark Making and Early Writing activities in daily routine

Documented children's progression in Mark Making development through portfolio assessment

Typical job title: "Early Years Teachers"

Also try searching for:

Early Years Educator Nursery Teacher Reception Teacher Primary School Teacher Early Childhood Educator Pre-School Teacher Foundation Stage Teacher

Example Interview Questions

Senior Level Questions

Q: How would you develop a school-wide mark making strategy?

Expected Answer: A senior teacher should discuss creating an environment that encourages mark making across all areas of learning, training other staff members, involving parents, and implementing assessment systems to track progress.

Q: How do you support other teachers in implementing mark making activities?

Expected Answer: Should explain mentoring approaches, sharing best practices, organizing training sessions, and providing resources to help other teachers understand and implement effective mark making activities.

Mid Level Questions

Q: How do you differentiate mark making activities for different ability levels?

Expected Answer: Should discuss adapting activities for different skill levels, using various tools and materials, and how to support children at different stages of development.

Q: How do you document and assess children's mark making progress?

Expected Answer: Should explain using observation techniques, maintaining portfolios, taking photographs of work, and using assessment frameworks to track development.

Junior Level Questions

Q: What activities would you use to encourage mark making?

Expected Answer: Should describe basic activities like using different writing tools, sensory trays, outdoor mark making, and how to make these activities engaging for young children.

Q: How do you set up a mark making area in your classroom?

Expected Answer: Should explain creating an accessible space with various materials, ensuring proper storage, and making the area inviting for children.

Experience Level Indicators

Junior (0-2 years)

  • Basic understanding of early writing development
  • Setting up mark making activities
  • Using different materials and tools
  • Basic observation and assessment

Mid (2-5 years)

  • Differentiating activities for various abilities
  • Detailed progress tracking
  • Parent communication about mark making
  • Creating inclusive mark making environments

Senior (5+ years)

  • Developing school-wide strategies
  • Training and mentoring other staff
  • Curriculum development
  • Advanced assessment methods

Red Flags to Watch For

  • No understanding of child development stages
  • Lack of knowledge about early writing progression
  • Unable to explain different types of mark making activities
  • No experience with observation and assessment
  • Poor understanding of safety considerations with materials