Why teach children to write with their wrist when you can get so much more movement with one of these strategies?
Hint! The teacher will need to “mirror” these strokes.
Invisible Writing
Children extend the middle and index finger and write in the air as they keep their elbow stiff.
Writing Wand
Tape strips of tissue paper to a popsicle stick for air writing.
Noodle
To practice writing numerals, letters, etc. give children a 9” inch section of a swim noodle. They can use both hands to write in the air (activates both sides of the brain.) Say, “Statue of Liberty” when you want them to listen and hold their noodles in the air.
Midline Writing
Activate both sides of the brain by extending the index finger from both hands as you write in the air.
Tummy Writing
Children lay on the floor and extend one finger above their head. Children use that finger to trace shapes, letters, etc. on the floor.
Palm Pilot
Children hold up one palm and trace letters on it with the index finger from the other hand. Take it to the brain!
Back Writing
Children practice writing on each other’s backs.
Hint! Stand in a circle and face right. The teacher models how to write on the first child’s back. The first child repeats it on the second child’s back and it continues around the circle.
Body Parts
Practice making shapes, letters and numerals in the air with different body parts, such as the elbow, foot, nose, belly button, chin, etc.
Hint! Let a different child choose the body part you use each day.
Letter Claps
Hold hands in the air touching and make little claps as you make the shape of the letter and alliterate the sound.
More! Let children write letters with shaving cream on a table, in the sandbox, on the board with a wet sponge, or with chalk on the sidewalk.