Has your little one taken an interest in handwriting? Encourage it, but don’t rush it. Not every child learns at the same rate. They also might need to figure out which hand feels the most comfortable when they write. While we at Creative Learning Center continue to educate our students on their handwriting, it starts at home. We’ve put together a few ways you can help your child excel.
Help Grip the Pencil Properly. When children first use a writing utensil, they hold it with their entire fist because that’s the easiest for them — the most common way to grasp the pencil with only your thumb, index, and middle finger. It needs to be a loose grip as they write. Too tight of a grip can hurt their hand and delay the process.
Use the right tools. Don’t just go with the standard writing tools that adults use. Go with thicker pencils or markers that they can wrap their hands around. The better they get, the smaller the pen can be. Also used lined paper, specifically ones meant for handwriting. This paper will help your child to keep their letters straight as they practice.
Keep it slow. Kids get excited when they start learning new things. They want to keep going as fast as they can. While this enthusiasm is incredible with writing their numbers and letters, have your child slow down. Slowing down forces kids to recognize the movement and shape of each letter and number.
Keep it fun. No matter how smart your child is, they can’t learn how to write overnight. They need to learn and practice repeatedly. There will be letters that are upside down, backward, or unrecognizable, but they will get it with practice. Don’t make handwriting a chore. Make a game out of learning, give incentives, and be positive. With your reinforcement, your child will be able to write in no time.
Strengthen the arms & hands. Handwriting is working the muscles in your hands and arms. Your child can strengthen them by cutting with scissors, stringing beads, using play dough, coloring, and quite a few other fun activities.
Talk with their teachers. Check on their progress in school regularly. You and their teacher can discuss your child’s progress, what needs to be improved, and how to handle the education going forward.
