Some of those
little hands are just not ready to write, so here are a few tips that might
help.
Warm Up –
Just like you warm up before you exercise, you can warm up those fingers before
writing. Finger plays and songs
with hand movements are perfect.
*How about
individual containers of play dough for each of your students? Rolling snakes, balls, pancakes, and
cutting play dough all strengthen muscles.
*Have children
hold up their right hand and push their thumb with the index finger, then the
middle finger, then the ring finger, and then pinkie. Do the same activity with the left hand. Have children squeeze their fists as
tight as they can. Open, relax,
and shake.
Pencil Grip
– Give each child a pom pom or cotton ball. Explain that is the pillow. Demonstrate how to hold it in your palm and then put pinkie
and ring man to sleep on the pillow.
Now, pick up your pencil and you will get the correct grip.
*You can make a
writing bracelet that will work in a similar way. String a bead on a piece of string and tie it so it can
loosely slip on and off the wrist.
Children put it on and then hold the bead with their pinkie and ring man
when they write.
Where is Pointer?
On the top.
Ready to write.
Start at the top.
Where is Thumbkin?
On the side.
Ready to help
Your pencil glide.
Where is Tallman?
On the bottom.
Keeps the letters
Where you want ‘em.
Ready for
Writing Rap
1, 2…sit up,
please do.
3, 4…feet flat
on the floor.
5, 6…push your
chair in quick.
7, 8…lay your
paper straight.
9,10…write
neatly then.