At KFTH we often work with children who demonstrate challenges with handwriting. Whilst some children experience challenges with the functional skill of being able to hold a pencil, or the cognitive demands of handwriting content, others demonstrate difficulty in the coordination of movements and motor accuracy.
However, as occupational therapists we understand that while we need to develop these skills, kids learn best when having fun, and we know that handwriting does not need to be boring!
As we near another school holidays, we thought we would take the opportunity to share fun, practical and motivating ways to continue to develop handwriting skills at home over the break:
1. Sensory Letter Formations:
Sensory play activities are a great way to strengthen basic handwriting and motor skills. Spread a thin layer or sand or shaving foam into a tray, then encourage your child to write letters or words using their finger. This interactive experience is a great way to activate their senses (touch, smell, hear) for deep memory formations.
Note: Add a greater challenge by using a paint brush or q-tip to increase accuracy and control.
2. Handwriting Obstacle Course:
Handwriting requires strong muscles, including core activation, shoulder stability and hand strength. Encourage your child to create and write down their own obstacle course to complete using equipment available at home. For example:
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Jumping between cushions.
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Crawling beneath the table.
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Rolling over the bed.
Note: Add a greater challenge by timing the obstacle course and encouraging your child to practice writing down their numbers by recording the times.
3. Interactive IPad Games:
There are many different interactive games designed to support the development of child’s letter formations and handwriting skills.
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I-Trace (handwriting for kids): This is a free app that focuses on tracing letters. You can add your child’s name as one of the saved words for ongoing skill development.
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Letter School: This is a free app that focuses on identifying and tracing letters.
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Writing Wizard: This app costs approximately $10. The focus of the game is to teach children the correct formation of letters.
4. Chalk and Water Play:
Water and chalk play are great ways to connect large muscle movements to memory. Provide your child with paint brushes or chalk and a large surface. Encourage your child to use the chalk or paint brushes to practice letter formations on the floor or wall. Through completing large movements on an elevated surface, such as a wall you are able to encourage the activation of your child’s shoulder muscles, a great skill for handwriting!
5. Secret Code Activity:
Another fun and motivating activity is encouraging your child to create or solve a ‘secret code’. Create a code by connecting each letter of the alphabet to a symbol ie. A = ?, B = *, etc. Then encourage your child to write the corresponding letters to each of the symbols in order to solve the mystery phrase/secret code.
We can’t wait to hear about all the fun handwriting activities you get up to throughout the school holidays!