Learning to form the letters of the alphabet develops important motor skills, strengthens memory and recall of the alphabet, and sets up learning for another key literacy skill: written language. Learning and practicing to write letters of the alphabet offers a wonderful opportunity to incorporate a variety of sensory experiences, which are also integral to overall learning and development in children. Learning to write can be challenging and frustrating for some children. Stepping away from pencil and paper and introducing other mediums can make it seem less like work and more like play.
Use a variety of tactile materials:
Write letters and words in a variety of tactile media, such as:
- Shaving cream in a ziploc bag
- Pudding or finger paint on a large piece of paper
- Shaving cream, rice, or flour on a baking sheet
- In the sand at the beach or in a sandbox
Use objects to form or build letters:
Figure out how to form letters by putting different pieces together using materials like
pipe cleaners popsicle sticks sticks from the yard Q-tips
cooked spaghetti noodles uncooked macaroni noodles or beans
modeling clay or play-doh yarn
Make it BIG:
Get the whole body involved by making letters using large movements.
- Use cushions/pillows
- Use towels
- Use an easel
- Tape a large piece of paper on the wall
- Use the sidewalk or driveway
- Bathtub/shower wall
Use different utensils to write:
dot (bingo) markers sidewalk chalk crayons colored pencils
bath crayons window paint/markers scented markers q-tips
various styles of paint brushes paint sponges
For those moments when you need less messy alternatives, consider writing apps on a tablet or smartphone. Here are some to consider for iOS:
- Wet, Dry, Try (Handwriting Without Tears)
- Touch and Write (FizzBrain)
- Touch and Write Phonics (FizzBrain)
- Write My Name (NCSOFT)
- Letter School (Boreaal)
- Elmo Loves ABCs for iPad (Sesame Street)
- Doodle Buddy (Pinger)
Some of the alphabet apps I listed here also incorporate opportunities for tracing and/or writing the letters.
Engage different sensory systems and make writing fun. It can make a huge difference in their success.
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