- Design Templates
- Services & Resources
- Free Sample Kit
Printing to writing for kids!
Although it might seem inconceivable to many parents, it is highly likely that their children may figure out how to type on a keyboard before being able to properly write with a pencil. Although technology is moving fast these days, it is still important to teach kids how to write properly. Learning how to write involves a number of skills that are crucial to a young child's mental and physical development. It primarily enforces motor skills while simultaneously encouraging the child to make the connection between letters and words that are read, written, and spoken. In this article, we'll have a look at how to teach children who are just beginning to write, as well as the different styles of handwriting.
When a child is just starting to approach writing, one of the best things to do is make it specific to them. For example, show the child how to write their own name, or perhaps their favorite pet's name. This helps to pique their interest immediately. Don't be surprised if they end up churning out several pages with their name scrawled out over and over again! In the beginning, writing can be confusing for toddlers. First make sure that they do know the letters of the alphabet. It can be understandably difficult to write if the child does not know what the letters look like or what their corresponding sounds are. It is easiest to start out with printing. Once they are fully comfortable with that, they can be moved onto writing in cursive. In the beginning, use very large, simple examples of each letter of the alphabet. Work on just one letter at a time. Another helpful tool is to use tracing sheets. These are worksheets that contain light-colored letters or words on a lined background. The child can then use this as a model and trace over the letters with a pencil. Some tracing sheets also include arrows to indicate to the child the direction in which their pencil strokes should be made. Once the child is familiar with creating letters using tracing sheets, ask them to try it on plain lined paper. They may still need occasional prompts and corrections.
Some common problems that children have when learning to write include writing letters backwards or confusing letters that look alike. Correct them when appropriate and give them plenty of encouragement when they get it right. Awarding simple rewards like gold star stickers are tried and true methods that kids love and respond to eagerly. Parents should also watch out for other issues that may affect a child's handwriting, such as vision problems, posture, or motor difficulties. In some cases, they may not be holding the pencil correctly, and it would only involve a simple correction. For more serious issues, discuss it with their teacher or with another professional to correct the problem appropriately. Most children learn how to print by the time they are in kindergarten or the first grade. Within the next two years they begin to learn cursive writing as well. Learning cursive writing tends to be a bit easier for kids since they are already familiar with reading and writing. At this point it is mostly a matter of changing the shape of letters that they already know, and linking them together. Never make fun of a child's handwriting. It is quite natural that in the beginning it may look awkward or inconsistent. It usually takes a while for children to develop their own handwriting style, and this continues to evolve to some degree for several years.
As with most things, the rate at which a child learns how to write fluently depends on a large number of factors. Some may learn it very fast, while others might take their time to become fully comfortable with the practice. A great way to help kids out is by turning it into a game. There are plenty of online games and printable activity sheets or worksheets that allow kids to practice their handwriting while entertaining them.