‘Mark making’ is increasingly used as a generic term to describe the ways in which children ’create and experiment with symbols and marks’ for both drawing and writing (e.g. DfES, 2007: 64).

However, there is considerable confusion about the meaning of this often undefined term. Our concern is that the term ‘mark-making’ lacks clarity and fails to do justice to young children’s powerful thinking and the ways in which children choose to explore and communicate their mathematical thinking. We are not alone in raising concern about the term ‘mark making’ and in early childhood research the term ‘graphics’ and ‘graphicacy’ are gaining ground (e.g. Anning, 2003. 2004). We use the term ‘graphics’ rather than ‘mark making’ and for these reasons originated the term children’s mathematical graphics.

Official publications:
Referring to our research the term children’s mathematical graphics is used in the following publications for teachers and practitioners:

• the ‘Williams Maths Review’ (DCSF, 2008);
• Mark Making Matters (DCSF, 2008);
• Children Thinking Mathematically (DCSF, 2009).

From research:

"Also damaging to some extent, for the understanding of the role of drawing in young children’s learning, has been the exchange of the word ‘drawing’ for ‘mark making’ in educare settings. The term, in emphasising the importance of children’s earliest marks for writing development, can give the message that pictorial representation is inferior to the more important role that the reading and writing of symbols has been given within the National Curriculum and within society in general. This is a narrow view of literacy, which once again does little to reflect the young child’s holistic abilities" (Ring, 2005:1).

"Drawing is more complex than mere ‘‘mark making’’, and although this is a popular term in early years circles it actually undermines the importance of drawing in early years education" (Ring, 2001)… (quoted in Hall, 2007: 3-4).

Origin

Practical mathematics

Challenges for children

Recording?

The Williams Maths Review: Mathematical Mark-Making (DSCF 2008)

'Mark Making Matters' (DCSF, 2008)

Recent Reports

Pedagogy

Publications

References