Let’s Practice the Pre-Writing Shapes!
The Pre-Writing Shapes are typically mastered in this order:
- Vertical line
- Horizontal line
- Circle
- Cross
- Square
- Diagonal line /
- Diagonal line \
- X
- Triangle
Tips for practicing the pre-writing shapes with correct formation:
- Always start from the “TOP TOP TOP” (this is a phrase I use with many of my students)
- Always move from the Left to the Right
- Add a sound when making strokes to encourage engagement (I use “SHOOP!” with many of my students, as well as “CIRCLE…..STOP!” and “DOWN and ACROSS”)
- Practicing on a vertical surface helps to develop muscles in the arm needed for better handwriting skills
- Use small writing utensils – small piece of chalk, broken crayon, small pencil, small marker. Using small writing utensils encourages students to use a developmentally appropriate pencil grasp
- Remind your students to use their “Helper Hand” to hold their paper still as they write
- Have fun! It is important that students enjoy these activities or they will grow to dislike all writing activities.
Posted in Handwriting, Helpful Links, Visual Motor and tagged fine motor, pre-writing shapes by Emily Dandron, OTRL with comments disabled.
Practice Writing Letters and Numbers!
Writing letters, numbers, and pre-writing shapes in different textures helps students to engage, learn, and remember what they are practicing! Try these different ideas on a tray, plate, or table.
- Sand
- Shaving Cream (add food coloring for extra fun!)
- Whipped cream (add food coloring for extra fun!)
- Dish Soap
- Paint
Need a Less Messy Option?
- Try putting a small amount of paint and dish soap (or hair conditioner) in a large seal-able plastic bag.
- Tape over the seam with shipping tape (or duct tape) to prevent the seal from breaking
- Lay the bag on a flat surface
- Use your index finger (pointer finger) or a Q-tip to create different shapes, letters, and numbers
Posted in Handwriting, Sensory, Visual Motor and tagged fine motor, handwriting, letters, numbers, pre-writing shapes, sensory by Emily Dandron, OTRL with comments disabled.