It can be tough to encourage your kids to practice handwriting. They’d rather play than do homework. Nevertheless, incorporating regular practice sessions can be key to maintaining skills they developed at school. So how can you make handwriting practice fun?
1. Use tactile letters
Grab a set of ABC Touch and Feel Letters or Sensory Gel ABC’s for a very hands-on writing experience. Have your children trace the letters with their fingers while identifying the sensation of each one. They can also choose a letter at random and then practice writing it on paper. For even more fun, have your child use their fingers to trace the letters on your back or on a sibling’s back!
2. Have your child write out the day's activity
Whether it’s a full day of fun or your morning routine before camp, put your kids in charge of writing the schedule for the day. Use dry erase markers on a white board or even on a mirror! For an additional challenge, keep the writing surface vertical.
3. Switch up the medium
Instead of the usual pen and paper, turn writing into a fun sensory activity! Fill a shallow bin with sand or shaving cream. Take turns with your kids as they ‘write’ with their pointer finger to shape the letters. Work on grasp by using a dowel or a pencil.
4. Spell with putty
Writing involves more than just how to hold a pencil and knowing how to spell. Help your kids recognize the lines and curves that form each letter by shaping them with putty. It’s a great tactile activity and also helps with developing their muscle memory of each letter’s formation.
5. Take it outside
Featuring the same tie-dye as the Chewy Pencil Sleeve, these Bubble Pop Balls are perfectly sized to stash in a backpack. Encourage kids to take one out to fidget while on the bus, use it to play catch with a friend, or practice their hand-eye coordination!
Have you found enjoyable ways to encourage your child to work on their handwriting skills? Please share them with us in the comments below!
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