Writing!
Writing, drawing, and scribbling are the ways your child learns that print and letters on the page stand for the words they hear when we talk. Handling small objects and using crayons builds the fine motor skills and eye-hand coordination that help children when they use books and write in school.
Developing
Developing arm and shoulder strength leads to better coordination for writing. Get lots of exercise moving like these animals on the Spark Card.
More: Read about more animals and how they move in Move! by Steve Jenkins or check out how baby animals move in Babies on the Go by Linda Ashman. Two terrific authors from Colorado!
Finding
Finding shapes in everyday activities helps children get ready to learn about letter shapes. Look around you for the shapes on the Spark Card.
More:
Find books about shapes.
Practicing
Practicing letters in fun ways can make learning letters easier. Try the tracing activities on the Spark Card.
More:
Check out ideas for writing letters on different tactile surfaces from Allaboutlearningpress.com. Write letters for younger children to trace, or have older kids try the letters themselves.
Strengthening
Strengthening finger muscles helps prepare children to hold pencils and crayons. Try a fingerplay like the one on the Spark Card.
More:
Find more great fingerplays in these books.
