Handwriting is one of those topics that creates an array of emotions. Even professionals don't agree on the procedure of teaching and practicing. Add in the vast difference of development among children the same age and what a mess we all face.
No matter which side of the fence you live on there are two absolutes...The process of teaching handwriting should never be a negative experience for a child. Secondly, the personality and development of the individual child needs to always be forefront. No matter what other children the same age are doing, remember the child before you is unique and special.
Half way through the 2 Year Curriculum, focus is giving to help the child hold a pencil correctly. At this point in a child's life, some children will not be ready for this activity and that is okay. Be careful not to frustrate the child while doing this activity. Continue to work on fine motor activities to increase the child's fine motor control.
Holding a pencil:
The first step to nice handwriting is a correctly pencil hold. Again, the correct hold is debated but most professionals believe the tripod grasp is the desired grasp. The tripod grasp uses the thumb and pointy finger to hold the pencil with the pencil resting on the middle finger. Some children will distinctively hold the pencil correctly. Watch that it doesn't change at some point.
Here are some secrets to teaching the tripod grasp:
• Pinch the pencil with the thumb and index finger. Strength is required in these to fingers in order to control the pencil.
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• Place a rolled up kleenex or small sponge in the child's palm. Have the child hold the kleenex or sponge with their ring and little finger. Then, using a "fat" pencil, help the child hold the pencil with their thumb and first finger and balance on the middle finger. Having to hold the kleenex as well as the pencil will help the child keep the correct form. (I personally did not find this idea helpful for my kiddos but I know those who have successfully used it.)
• Activities to help strengthen the fingers: simple puzzles with knobs (use thumb and pointy finger), playdough, picking up small toys, holding small balls, tearing paper, picking up items with tweezers, and any other fine motor activity that requires a child to use his fingers to grip.
Drawing & Writing
- Children learn to draw by copying. Start with lines and progress to simple shapes.
- Play “Draw What I Draw” – have your child draw what you draw and then reverse. Keep shapes very simple.
- Give your child different shaped objects to draw around. You can also make these out of cardboard.
- Learning to Write - Read this page for ideas of how to help your child learn to write letters and numbers
- Mazes and Dot-to-Dot worksheets help in pencil control
- We have enjoyed the How to Draw books - read more here.
