The Power of Vertical Writing: Why It Matters More Than You Think

At Messy Mates, we’re all about learning through fun—and sometimes, the biggest developmental milestones are hiding in the smallest details. One of those details? Vertical writing and mark-making. You might not think much of a toddler drawing on a chalkboard or reaching up to paint on an easel, but those simple movements are doing a lot more than creating a masterpiece—they’re laying the foundation for literacy, coordination, and confidence.

What Is Vertical Writing?

Vertical writing is any type of mark-making that happens on an upright surface—like an easel, chalkboard, mirror, or even a window. For toddlers, this kind of play is more than just artistic expression—it’s a whole-body experience that helps them grow in ways you can’t always see right away.

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Why It’s Important for Toddlers

1. Supports Shoulder and Arm Strength

When little ones reach up to draw or paint on a vertical surface, they’re strengthening key muscles in their shoulders, arms, and hands. This builds the endurance they’ll need for future writing, drawing, and fine motor tasks like using scissors or feeding themselves with cutlery.

2. Encourages Proper Wrist and Pencil Grip

Vertical surfaces naturally guide toddlers into a more optimal wrist position and grip pattern. This makes it easier for them to learn how to hold a crayon or pencil correctly as they grow. It’s like sneaking in handwriting prep—without the pressure.

3. Boosts Hand-Eye Coordination

Reaching for a sponge, tracing a line, or dotting paint on a canvas—all of these actions demand coordination. Vertical play helps toddlers refine their motor planning, visual tracking, and spatial awareness in a super engaging way.

4. Encourages Midline Crossing and Brain Development

When children stretch across their body to draw on a vertical surface, they practice something called “crossing the midline.” This is an essential developmental skill that supports brain integration, bilateral coordination, and later tasks like reading from left to right.

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How We Use Vertical Writing at Messy Mates

In our sessions, you’ll often see upright painting walls, sticky note activities on, and our play wall decals wall chalkboard. These aren't just fun stations—they're intentional opportunities for your toddler to explore, build strength, and develop writing readiness in a relaxed, playful environment.

It’s messy. It’s joyful. And it’s developmentally powerful.

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Try It at Home!

Here are a few easy ways to encourage vertical writing in your own space:

Stick large paper to the wall and offer crayons or markers

Let your child paint with water on a fence or outdoor wall

Use washable window markers or foam stickers on glass

Hang a chalkboard or whiteboard at toddler height

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Final Thought

Every squiggle, splash, and doodle on a vertical surface is helping your little one prepare for the big world of learning ahead. At Messy Mates, we celebrate these moments because we know that development doesn’t always come in the form of worksheets—it often looks like a happy, paint-covered toddler reaching high with pride.