When it comes to getting pre-schoolers ready to write, there are a few key things you’ll want to focus on. First, it’s important to help them build up the muscles in their hands and fingers. This will give them the strength and coordination they need to hold a pen or pencil correctly.
Secondly, you’ll want to encourage them to use the proper grip. This will help them control the tool and produce neater, more legible writing. Lastly, you’ll want to work on their finger dexterity and hand-eye coordination. These are important for positioning the paper correctly, forming letters correctly, and staying within the lines. Luckily, there are plenty of fun and games activities that can help with all these things! Here are a few of our favourites:
Use tongs to transfer beans from one cup to another. This can be further extended to both maths and language. Take one more, add three etc. If you have different colours and shapes this can also be incorporated. Ask your child to count and communicate.
Trace shapes with a finger: This is a great way to help little ones learn the basic shapes that they’ll need to know for writing. Plus, it helps them strengthen the muscles in their fingers and hands.
Play catch: Believe it or not, playing catch is actually a great way to improve hand-eye coordination. It also helps with muscle development in the arms and shoulders – which can be helpful for holding a pencil correctly.
String beads: This activity is perfect for working on fine motor skills and coordination. And it’s fun too!
So go ahead and try out some of these activities with your child. They’re sure to have a blast and you’ll be helping them develop crucial pre-writing skills at the same time!