Just like any part of the body, kids need to build up muscle and dexterity in their hands before they learn to write. [2] X Research source If it’s a nice day, take it outside. Use chalk to color on the sidewalk.
For this project, lay out the noodles in a bowl on the table. Cut a length of string. Thread a noodle onto the string, and tie the noodle in place on one end with a knot. Place the string back on the table, and proceed to create a string for each kid. Let your kids thread noodles on their respective strings, and then tie them off to create the necklace.
Working with Play-Doh and other clay builds up hand muscle and dexterity.
To make snowflakes, fold a piece of paper in half horizontally. Fold it in half again, but do it vertically. Fold it in half several times, always keeping one end without any folds. You should have a triangle shape that is misshapen on the non-folded end. Cut shapes in the the paper. Angular shapes work best. Also, make the unfolded end regular by cutting along the edge in a design. Open the paper back up for a snowflake.
Make sure to give kids paper to place the stickers on. Otherwise, the stickers will end up all over your kids and the house.
Signs of this problem include ripping the paper and white knuckles. To help a kid loosen his or her grip, place a small lump of something, such as Play-Doh, in the palm of his or her hand while he or she writes.
As an example, half a pretzel looks like an “E,” while the top of a cup looks like an “O. "
Show her how to go over the letters with her pencil. Guide her hand the first time she performs the task.
Copy words from a favorite story. If your kid loves a particular story book, have her copy the words for practice. [14] X Research source
Look for words with similar beginning sounds. For instance, you could say “Tent starts with a ‘T. ’ What other words have a similar sound at the beginning?” You can help your child along by giving him a few examples. Try rhyming games. Say a word, and see if your child can find a rhyme for it. Read aloud to your child, pointing to words as you go.
For instance, when writing an “A,” you can tell your child, “First you make a slanting line upward. Then, you start from the top of that line and make a slanting line downward. Next, you go to the middle of your first line and draw a small line over to the other side. "
For instance, you can say, “‘T’ makes a ’tuh’ sound. Can you hear it in words like ’tuh-able,’ ’tuh-op,’ and ’tuh-rycycle?’”
Teach your child to spell phonetically. Let them sound out words and write down the spelling as they think it sounds. Start with words that contain letters they already know the sounds for, which will help them make connections. [19] X Research source Help them learn the correct spelling by having them re-write a word after they’ve spelled it out themselves.
You can take it one step farther by having your child “play along. " That is, if you’re writing a note to a friend, let your child write a not to her friend.
For example, give them an object to describe, such as a cup, and set a time limit. When the time limit is up, give them another object to describe that seems dissimilar, such as a cucumber. Let them describe it within a set limit. As the final part of the exercise, have them write about how the objects are similar, which asks them to make connections and engages them more fully. [22] X Research source
As an example, try putting a number of unusual words on strips of paper, though they should be words that your kid already knows, such as “tissue,” “frozen,” “flame,” “stroke,” and “fanning. " Let your kid pick a couple of words from the group without looking. Have her write a poem that incorporates all the words. [23] X Research source
One way to encourage daily writing is to have your kid start a journal. You can ask your kid to write about what happened that day, or you can use prompts to help her along. As an example, you could ask her to write about one of her toys and why she likes it or to discuss a dream she had the night before.
