handwriting | Teaching Every Day

Ugh. How can handwriting be fun? Whether you are teaching little ones to write letters for the first time, or trying to get your elementary kiddo to practice his handwriting, here are some ideas to try out:

WRITING TOOLS- Don’t get stuck in the pencil and paper rut. Get creative and try out some new tools!

colored pencils– It’s more fun, but might lead to frustration when it won’t erase.
crayons- Same as colored pencils, but they come in more shapes (big, triangular, etc.) for little hands.
pens– Kids are usually very motivated to write with a pen. Maybe it seems grown-up? Let them pick out a cool pen with a character, feather, or other funny top.
markers– Save yourself some headache and only have washable markers in the house!
chalk– Use on paper or outside. What could be better than enjoying some sunshine and practicing letters on the sidewalk? Not the best for cursive, but great for teaching preschoolers.
dry erase markers– Very easy to erase, but watch out that they only mark on the board!
Magna Doodle– My girls love writing on them! I love them because they are easy to keep in my purse or the car for on-the-go entertainment.
paintbrush- Try out different sizes of brushes to see how the letters look different.
Q-tips- Dip them in water or paint and start writing!

WRITING SURFACES- Instead of lined paper, give these a try…

sand– Making letters is a great activity for the sandbox. Dig down to find some wet sand.
dirt– Use a twig or your finger.
sidewalk– Try out chalk or a paintbrush with water.
someone’s back– Play a game and write a letter on someone’s back and have them try to guess it!
iPad or other touch screen– There are LOTS of writing apps for teaching letters.
ziploc bag filled with paint– This is great fun for little ones!
flour (or rice or salt) on a cookie tray– This is a messier option to a ziploc bag.
shaving cream on a table– Another messy (but fun) option!