Writing is an essential skill in the world. From filling out forms to writing emails, we use writing every single day.
If you have a preschooler or kindergartener, you might want to
give them a headstart. Learning to write their name, using writing alphabet kindergarten worksheets, and fun coloring exercises can help your child learn and love writing from a young age.
Start with coloring
Most little kids enjoy coloring and it’s easy to encourage with free printable coloring activities or coloring books.
There are many benefits to coloring from language development and
handwriting skills to developing self-confidence and providing a creative output. You may want to encourage your child to describe what they are coloring with descriptive adjectives and colors to deepen these skills.
Strengthen the upper arm
We don’t think of the physical strength needed to hold a pen to paper, but it’s sure to feel unnatural if you’ve never done it before. When you write, you use your arms, and sometimes
even your core. Before teaching the alphabet to your kindergartener, work on strengthening this. Tape a big piece of paper to a window and have your child color, draw, or write on the wall or window. Reaching up to write on the wall will strengthen these muscles, preparing them to write without getting tired.
Multi-sensory learning
If your kindergartener and preschooler are like most little kids, they like arts and crafts and
getting messy. You can use this to your advantage and teach them the alphabet. According to
the Montessori method, the best way to teach is to use multiple senses.
If you have a sandbox, trace letters in the sand. Many kids start with learning to write their first name, but this isn’t necessarily the easiest! Trace common names and words like “mom,” “dad,” and siblings’ names as well. You could also use glitter glue and have your child trace the alphabet in the glue.
Use toys
You can also teach the alphabet using your kid’s favorite toys. If your preschooler loves playing with cars, you could use the cars to spell out the shape of the child’s name. If your child loves play dough, you could help them do the same thing.
Use kindergarten writing worksheets
Not all worksheets are created equal. If you want your child to be prepared for the future, you’ll want to use writing worksheets from kindergarten to teach the alphabet. As an elementary school teacher, I’ve helped countless children learn to write using fun exercises and writing alphabet worksheets. Check out the printable worksheets, Handwriting Workbook for Kids, and Primary Grades Writing Journals for some writing activities your child will actually enjoy.
Encourage mindfulness
All these activities help children become more aware of themselves and their bodies. Encourage your child to notice which hand they use to write, how the sand feels below their finger, and what colors they enjoy. Even these little activities can help your child tune in to their senses and develop mindfulness, making them better writers in the future.
Signing Off,
Mr. C
(Scott Cornfoot)
CEDoE
(Chief Executive Doer of Everything)
Dover Cliffs Publishing House
www.dovercliffspublishinghouse.com
