Fine Motor Activities

• Writing letters requires fine motor control. Young children often need practice at performing small tasks that involve pinching, grabbing or manipulating small objects with the hands and fingers. These activities improve overall fine motor control so that your child is better able to hold a pencil for writing. One simple activity is to have your child pick up cotton balls or other small objects with a large pair or tweezers or a clothespin. Squeezing paint or frosting out of a tube strengthens the muscles needed to control a pencil. Unstructured drawing also gives your child a chance to practice using a pencil. Help your child hold the pencil correctly as he draws.
  
  

Tactile Writing

• If your child needs a break from writing with a pencil, try a tactile writing activity. She still gets practice in forming letters and writing words but with an entertaining aspect. Fill a shallow tray with a child-safe item like salt, sugar, whipped cream or pudding. Let your child use her finger to write in the material. For a clean option, place colored hair gel in a large plastic bag that zips closed, leaving some room in the bag. Glue the top closed so the gel doesn't squeeze out of the bag. You can also place it inside a second bag to contain any potential mess. Smooth the gel out evenly inside the bag and let your child write letters by pressing on the bag.
  
  

Meaningful Writing Experiences

• Handwriting practice at school often involves repetitive writing of letters or words with little connection to real life. At home let your child write for a purpose. Let him write the grocery list for you or write a letter to a grandparent, friend or other acquaintance. Use these real-world writing activities to help your child improve her handwriting.
  
  

Model Writing

• With the ease and constant connection of email and texting, you may not spend a lot of time writing. Make an effort to write more often so that your child is able to see you model the skills. Write notes to your child and leave them where he can find them. Write along with him when he does his homework or practices handwriting. Avoid sloppy techniques that can teach your child improper writing skills.