How to Develop Writing Skills

As a teacher, writing was one of the most frustrating skills for some students to develop. Reading came first. However, it doesn’t have to be. In my previous blog, one of the suggestions was to start early. To not wait until the child started school (if your child had never been in daycare). Starting early allows the child room to develop, and it also allows to catch developmental delays early if there are signs of any. One mistake parents make is that they think writing is just that. Pencil to the paper. However, if they are 2 years old, that’s not happening. So I’m here to help you kick off those writing skills!

1. Get some play dough. I know it’s every parent’s nightmare, but it really helps those muscles develop in those hands. If play dough is an absolute No, then you can get the squeeze balls, kinetic sand or play foam. Plus it also allows for creativity so you’re killing two birds with one stone.
2. Doing unstructured art. If you have a toddler you will need to monitor while they do this activity because toddler’s tend to put everything in their mouth, even crayons. Let them scribble for as long as they’re attention allows for. Simple. Easy.
3. Tracing letters with objects. There are plenty of free printables out there to download the alphabet. If you want it to last, either put it in a page protector or you may laminate it. You can use cars, play dough, etc. to form the letters.
4. Remember it’s all about having fun! The key to cutting back on the tears and the meltdowns is to make it fun! If your child thinks they are “playing” they are more likely to engage in the activity.
5. Don’t spend a bunch of money. Before you go to Lakeshore or get on Amazon, try the dollar store. Most of the items I mentioned above you can find at your local dollar store. You can also use shaving cream and allow your child to draw in it or make letters (this was one of my favorite end of the year activities AND it also cleaned the desks).

As I said, make it fun! There are so many fun ways to make writing simple, easy and fun!

I’ve added a prewriting sheet AND a bonus counting sheet. You can put it in a page protector and use magic markers or play dough if you like. Enjoy!!!