How to Help Your Preschooler Learn to Write
I have some helpful ideas to build a foundation for your child’s handwriting before he or she even begins school!
Model a use for handwriting.
This is often list making in my home (To do list, grocery list, etc). It could also be appreciating art and drawing pictures, or doing a math problem. Children will imitate our behaviors. If they never see us pick up a pen or pencil, they may not have the motivation to do it themselves.
Make writing materials available
Paper (loose or bound in a notebook or journal), pencils, and crayons should be set out where children can be encouraged to use them daily. You may keep them in a certain spot or choose a time of day for them to play with paper.
When I’m on the go, my children can draw and write in their notebooks I carry in my purse. Coloring alongside your child can also motivate your child to color and therefore strengthen their writing tool stamina.
Play-doh
It’s a tried and true toy, but it also has a purpose in strengthening little fingers and developing control in the hands. Knead the play-do, pretend with it, make shapes. This activity is excellent at taking a brain break from something rigorous like writing or tracing letters.
Apps for handwriting
Letter School Lite has various styles such as traditional print or Handwriting without Tears. You can choose uppercase or lowercase.
LeapPad’s Mr. Pencil app uses a stylus and practices shapes and lines before tackling letters, but is very extensive with multiple levels. Parents can enjoy it, too, as you make it through the levels to repair the cartoon buildings that have been destroyed by a tornado.
Monitor Pencil grip
Watch how your child is holding the pencil. There are acceptable pencil grips, as described by occupational therapists. Not having proper grip can not only make handwriting messy; it can also cause fatigue as the child writes more and more.
Here is more information on pencil grip from a mom who is also an occupational therapist: See what an OT Mom says about pencil grip!
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