Before children
can properly learn to write, they first need lots of practice
developing their small muscle control. Provide your children
with fun ways to strengthen small muscles so that they will
eventually be able to hold and control a pencil.
SAND WRITING
Whether you are at the beach or in your backyard, your
children can practice writing in the sand. Your child
can use sticks, a spoon handle, or even their finger to
create letters and shapes.
To start, make a simple shape, such
as a triangle but leave off one side. Have your child
finish the shape for you.
Next, make a shape and have your child
duplicate your shape.
As your child gets older, encourage
them to make letters and shapes on their own.
Writing their name is usually a favorite
along with the word "hi".
CHALK WRITING
Buy your child some colored "sidewalk" chalk
to play with this summer. The great thing about chalk
on the sidewalk is that you can spray it off with a garden
hose when your child is finished.
POST CARD WRITING
Summer is a great time to encourage your children to write short
notes to friends and family. To make the task easier, give your
children post cards that already have such words as "Dear__________"
and "I like to __________________in the summer" and
"Love___________".
You can make your own "play" postcards by folding
a piece of 8 ½" x 11" piece of sturdy paper
into four sections. Cut the sections and write the uncompleted
messages on them for your child to finish.
