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Welcome to the second in my summer series of video blog posts! In this video I share important do’s and don’ts for teaching handwriting to young learners.
Watch the video to learn:
- how to get kids ready for handwriting (before worksheets!)
- which letters to begin with
- how to correct a poor pencil grasp
- how to help left-handed writers
…. and more!
Links I refer to in the video:
- Play to Learn Preschool: Why I let my preschoolers write their names in capital letters
- Ebook: Basics of Fine Motor Skills
- My favorite pencil grip
- Handwriting pages for left-handed writers
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Ruth
Hi, thanks for reinforcing proper letter formation, top to bottom, with the thumbs up for Zaner Bloser…. I’ll definitely check them out. I could use some direction with helping my gifted 4 year old with writing. She’s working her way comfortably through 2nd grade readers and a first grade math book. So a small amount of writing is needed to support that (a 4-5 word sentence here and there, writing a word like wallet to support a phonics drill, number work). Some days we’re top to bottom, and some days we’re more like an NYC taxi driver at rush hour!) Use of mid- line, top- down, roundness, etc have good days and bad days. I don’t want poor habits to become permanent. Any ideas/ advice?
Anna Geiger
Hi Ruth!
It would be good to have focused handwriting practice each day. I’d start with having her form letters in a sand try and insist that she form them correctly. You can try the I DO, WE DO, YOU DO model, where you show her how the write the letter in your own sand (or salt) tray using your finger to form the letter (starting at the proper starting point). Shake the trays to start over. Then both of you do it at the same time, then she does it. You can then move to handwriting worksheets like the ones on my website. 4 years old is young to be doing this, so I wouldn’t overdo it. But bad habits are hard to break! Here are my worksheets: https://www.themeasuredmom.com/category/teaching-writing/handwriting-pages/
Edward
I’m teaching Chinese Elementary how to hold a pen differently for English compared to Chinese and it’s a nightmare. I’m not sure I’ve ever been successful – You’ve reassured me with your comment about picking your battles!
Thanks for the video. Going to buy the worksheets ’cause hell, why not for 10 bucks.
Anna Geiger
Yes … as a mom of six I’ve definitely had to pick a few, lol! I hope you find the worksheets helpful, Edward!
Anonymous
I like some of the suggestions but schools now no longer teach ‘cursive’ and actually mark answers as wrong IF a student writes in cursive, so that is outdated in this presentation. Our kids are graduating without knowing how to do their own signature unless parents have taught them at home.
Anna G
This presentation is about teaching print, not handwriting (did you even watch the video?). My own children are learning cursive at their school, so your statement is a broad over-generalization.
Kay
Hi,
Are the pencil grips you recommend here suitable for younger hands? I have a kid with fine motor issues.
Anna G
I would email Colleen at OT Toolbox or Heather at Growing Hands on Kids. They have more experience as occupational therapists and could give you a stronger recommendation. 🙂
Kay
Thank you so much. You are really a blessing!!!
Anna G
You’re welcome, Kay!
Jodi K Green
I’m a new autism spectrum teacher . This was great!!
Anna G
I’m glad this works for you, Jodi!
Colleen Stauffer
Thank you for your presentation on hand writing. I agree with teaching the fine motor skills first, which I have done several times with students at various ages. As a tutor and a soon to be second grade teacher, your lessons and video presentations are very helpful!!
Anna G
I’m so glad to hear that this was helpful for you, Colleen! 🙂
Carol Bradford
This was very helpful to me as a tutor, as are all of your materials- thank you so much!!!
Anna G
Thanks so much for reading, Carol!