Writing And Fine Motor Skills
I proudly follow and recommend the Handwriting Without Tears program when teaching children to use a pencil, scissors and begin to write. The main reason why I love this program is because of the language and songs it uses to support children at their current developmental age.
If you would like to view the HWT website, go here. On their website you will find numerous printable activities, resources, videos and articles. It is worth your time to do your own exploring on their site and see if this program works for you.
Mat Man
A picture of Mat Man can be seen above. Mat Man is a fun and hands-on way for children to build a person and teach body awareness. I have seen first hand the developmental changes my students have made before and after participating in Mat Man's songs and building process. View for more information.
Jolly Phonics
I love the catchy songs and actions Jolly Phonics uses for teaching letter sounds. This multi-sensory method is very motivating and easy to remember when children are learning sounds and letter names. View for more information.
See the Letter Recognition and Sounds page for more information.
I believe in using a variety of literacy programs in order to offer children multiple ways to learn their letters, letter sounds and eventually begin reading. Every child learns differently!
Developmental Stages Of Writing:
Stage 1:
Random Scribbling
Stage 2:
Controlled Scribbling
Stage 3:
Lines and Patterns
Stage 4:
Pictures of Objects or People
Stage 5:
Letters and Words
How To Start Your Child Writing At Home:
-Expose them to drawing and colouring, allow them to be creative
-Give them a pencil and let them pretend to write
-Help your child use a pencil properly (see correct grip below)
-Use pictures to create sentences/words
-Encourage them to add a letter/letters/words to their drawings
What Is The Correct Way To Hold A Pencil?:
When your child is learning to write and use scissors, let them explore before correcting them especially when they are preschool age. However, it is important to encourage correct grip in order to avoid bad/uncomfortable habits forming.
Click here for instructions and pictures of correct pencil grip.
Fun Ways To Encourage Writing At Home:
-Write grocery lists
-Write notes to each other
-Mail letters to family members
-Let them play with old magazines, newspapers, envelopes
-Play word games online (check out the Educational Online Games area)
-If your child wants something, get them to ask you through writing
-Let your child create whatever "art" they want to. Even if it seems like a waste of materials, creating name-tags, writing letters, making headbands, etc all promote fine motor and writing skills.
-Write a story or a poem with your child
Looing For More Fine Motor Activities? Check out this link
If you would like to view the HWT website, go here. On their website you will find numerous printable activities, resources, videos and articles. It is worth your time to do your own exploring on their site and see if this program works for you.
Mat Man
A picture of Mat Man can be seen above. Mat Man is a fun and hands-on way for children to build a person and teach body awareness. I have seen first hand the developmental changes my students have made before and after participating in Mat Man's songs and building process. View for more information.
Jolly Phonics
I love the catchy songs and actions Jolly Phonics uses for teaching letter sounds. This multi-sensory method is very motivating and easy to remember when children are learning sounds and letter names. View for more information.
See the Letter Recognition and Sounds page for more information.
I believe in using a variety of literacy programs in order to offer children multiple ways to learn their letters, letter sounds and eventually begin reading. Every child learns differently!
Developmental Stages Of Writing:
Stage 1:
Random Scribbling
Stage 2:
Controlled Scribbling
Stage 3:
Lines and Patterns
Stage 4:
Pictures of Objects or People
Stage 5:
Letters and Words
How To Start Your Child Writing At Home:
-Expose them to drawing and colouring, allow them to be creative
-Give them a pencil and let them pretend to write
-Help your child use a pencil properly (see correct grip below)
-Use pictures to create sentences/words
-Encourage them to add a letter/letters/words to their drawings
What Is The Correct Way To Hold A Pencil?:
When your child is learning to write and use scissors, let them explore before correcting them especially when they are preschool age. However, it is important to encourage correct grip in order to avoid bad/uncomfortable habits forming.
Click here for instructions and pictures of correct pencil grip.
Fun Ways To Encourage Writing At Home:
-Write grocery lists
-Write notes to each other
-Mail letters to family members
-Let them play with old magazines, newspapers, envelopes
-Play word games online (check out the Educational Online Games area)
-If your child wants something, get them to ask you through writing
-Let your child create whatever "art" they want to. Even if it seems like a waste of materials, creating name-tags, writing letters, making headbands, etc all promote fine motor and writing skills.
-Write a story or a poem with your child
Looing For More Fine Motor Activities? Check out this link