Helping Your Child Learn to Write

Young children can have a difficult time learning how to write. From fine motor skills to remembering shapes, there are many things that your child has to contend with. Here are some tips to help your child learn to write.

Provide the proper materials

Ensuring your child has proper, age-appropriate materials will set them up for success with writing. For example, young children may need smaller pencils than older children, and some children like to have rubber pencil grips to help keep it from slipping. Ensure they have lots of paper as well.

Make writing fun

Your child may practice writing with greater enthusiasm if it’s a project they are excited about. You can make a game out of writing practice in a few ways, including spraying shaving cream on a baking tray and having your child write their name with a finger, or practicing their letters in the sand on a beach, using a stick.

Involve your child in your own writing

If you’re writing out the week’s grocery list or adding an item to the family’s message board, ask your older child to help you. You can encourage them to try on their own, or write out an example for them to follow.

Ask your child’s preschool teacher for help

A good preschool will make writing practice a regular occurrence. For this reason, your child’s preschool teacher is a great resource to help you extend the learning at home. Not only do they have experience, but they may also be able to give you tips specific to your child.

Develop your child’s fine motor skills

Fine motor skills are involved in many stages of the writing process, such as holding a pencil and hand-eye coordination. You can help your child develop their fine motor skills with small intricate actions, such as stringing beads and stacking blocks.

Be patient and supportive

Writing is a skill that a child develops over many years. Be patient and let your child figure out the way letters are formed on their own. You can offer guidance such as writing out letters for your child to trace, but providing time, space, and encouragement will help them improve.