My own child knew how to write her name just before turning 4 but I only pushed it because of school. She was an amazing drawer though and has an awesome imagination! My other child just turned 3 and we just started letter and number recognition. For me playing is much more important.
I think kids are too supervised and controlled. No one lets their kids have markers and paper to do whatever they want with and everyone is so afraid of mess. I have had 18 monthers and two year olds come to me having never held a marker
That is just wrong! I just let the kids do whatever they want. Even if I am thinking "holy lawd what a mess" I keep it to myself. They really need that time for fine motor skills and creativity.
When I worked in a centre we didn't start this kind of stuff until the kids were 4-4.5 but I am Canadian and I think our system is not the same. I hear that the USA is much more focused on academics and there is a lot more testing.