The Preschooler

Writing Before Writing

When you need to write a letter, a list, or even just sign your name, you simply pick up your pencil or pen and write.  Unfortunately, it isn’t so simple for a child who is not used to writing.  Writing takes many skills which you may not have considered before.  Balance, hand-eye coordination, and fine motor skills are all needed for printing properly.  Before your child ever writes her first letter there are activities you can do to help her develop these necessary skills.

The manuscript alphabet contains vertical lines, angled lines, circles, and semi-circles.  Your child can practice making the same motions used for printing but in separate pieces. Here are a few activities to try at home:

• Spray some foam shaving cream into large, flat container or directly on the table.  Demonstrate for your child how to make each of the four types of lines, and allow her to practice these same motions.
• Complete dot-to-dot puzzles which consist of drawing a series of straight lines.
• Use clip-art pictures to create an activity sheet where she must connect objects that go together (ie. a hockey stick and puck, hat and mittens, cow and barn, etc.).  Have your child connect the two pictures emphasizing a left-to-right motion.  (Or visit http://www.kidzone.ws/preK_wrksht/dynamic.htm to print some pre-made activity sheets.)

Children’s hands may tire quickly because they are not used to using the muscles required for holding and using a pencil.  Be aware of this limitation and do not push your child beyond her interest level.  She will want to come back and do more if the activity ends on a good note.

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Written by BRWI Staff on January 21, 2010