Although it might come as a natural skill to some, handwriting can be quite difficult for children. Handwriting requires a LOT of skills – visual-motor skills, fine motor skills, appropriate body positioning and core control, coordination of both sides of our body, visual tracking, and more. And for some of our kids, handwriting is a non-preferred task. So if you want them to enjoy the process, make it fun. The worst thing we can do is force a child to do this activity when they hate it, because they will automatically associate handwriting with being difficult. Learning in general should be fun and research states that children learn best through play, and that doesn’t exclude writing!
So here are 10 ways you can practice handwriting in a way that doesn’t feel forced and children might actually be more motivated to learn:
- Fun Crayons!
Everything is more fun when it is in motivating shapes/characters that a child might enjoy. Model with your child forming letters and how the rocket takes off into space at it makes the letter! Verbalize the letter formations and maybe even use star stickers for where their letter should start to add on to the space theme. When they see that you are having fun, they may be more willing to join in the fun! Find these rocket crayons here.
2. Scratch Art!
An oldie but a goodie. Kids LOVE to see the colors appear as they scratch. This is also great to work on letter formations. Or, you can even work on basic spelling words they might have for the week at school and work on writing those on these cards, focusing on letter formation and line adherence if you first write a line that they have to write on. This is also great for a very beginners just learning prewriting strokes, model and practice vertical and horizontal Lins, shapes, etc! Find this scratch art set here.
3. Chalk
Whether you are using the mini chalkboards pictured, or just using a sidewalk in general, but have great opportunities to practice writing. I do recommend using small chalk sticks and not those jumbo chalk sticks. The smaller the chalk, the better because it will promote a functional pencil grasp. Find this whole set of chalkboards currently for $4.99 here.
4. Orsen Colorful 8.5 Inch Electronic Sketch Drawing Pad Doodle Board
This is like the modern version of the scratch art cards. And for less than $14, it’s a total steal! This is a great way to allow kids to practice writing/drawing, minus the urge to click an app and play a game on a regular tablet they might own. You can find this one and other similar ones here.
5. Wikki Stix
These are an OT’s everyday item! These are particularly great for learning letter formations through a multi-sensory approach. The stix are made of waxed yarn so it is fun to explore this texture. A way to make this fun is to practice creating the letter together, verbally stating how to correctly form the letter out loud (For example: H – Big line down, big line down, little line across)! And then you can have fun creating something fun with the wiki six that starts with the letter “H” like a hat! Find these here.
6. Playfoam Shape & Learn 26 Letter Alphabet Set with Assorted Colors and Flash Card Set
Oh yes. Sensory input exploring textures? Check. Learning letters, letter sounds, and letter formations? Check. Fun? CHECK! To kick this activity up a notch for older kids, have them make basic cvc words with these, then get them to write the actual words they make writing on regular pencil/paper. After they create each word with the playfoam, they practice on pencil/paper for that constant motivation. Find this resource for under $15 here.
7. Wooden Alphabet Tracing Boards & Sand Tray
Using sand is such a fun way to practice writing letters as well as basic words. And of course if you happen to be on an actual beach, you have quite a bit of area to practice those writing skills! I love that these come with alphabet boards. Before you practice in the sand, you can practice the correct letter formation of each reach by going over the wooden letter. Find this set here.
8. Double Sided Magnetic Letter Board
I use one of these often and all of the kids I work with love it! Magnets are a very under-rated tool to use when learning. Kids are always in awe of how magnets work. This is a great way to work on pencil grasp and letter formation. Find these magnetic board here.
9. Stamps
I absolutely love this set. Kids are more motivated to stamp words / basic sentences. You can allow them to stamp it first, then practice writing with pencil/paper for older kids. For smaller kids, you could do matching activities stamping Aa, Bb, Cc, etc together to work on matching correct letters together. Or just focus on letter formation in general! Endless opportunities with stamps. You can find them here.
10. Crayola Double Doodle Board
For under $13 this is a great way to introduce writing! I love that this its multi-functional. You can work on letters, words, and even basic sentences for older kids and you can pair this with fun drawing activities as well. Find this here.
So – there you have it. 10 ways to make handwriting (hopefully) more fun! Always include your children’s interests when practicing, too. They love transportation vehicles? Write about different vehicles! Do they love Mr. Potato Head? Write about the different body parts as you put him together! The possibilities are endless when we combine creativity and play.
Hope this was helpful!
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