Teaching Your Preschooler to Write

Teaching your preschooler to write is what most parents work towards first, after learning some colors. We are so anxious to teach our child to write his name especially. However, some children are not ready to write when they are even 4. Furthermore, we often teach our child what the letters look like but not how to properly form the letters.

If you child is beginning to pretend to write, that is a good indication that they may be ready to learn to write his name. First, practice writing basic shapes following the mechanics of proper handwriting- left to right, top to bottom. Then you can make his name in dots (with the internet program or by yourself) and what him write the letters. You may want to start with one letter at a time. Also, be sure to teach capitals as the first letter and lower case for all other letters (when appropriate). Don't teach all capitals. Handwriting Without Tears has a great developmentally appropriate program for preschoolers for purchase. It is a good idea since it is geared towards preschool skills.

Keep an open mind when trying to teach a child to write. It is not important that they do it now. As long as they are drawing and coloring, they are on their way towards good fine motor skills.
Click here to support breast cancer research by purchasing an original Breast Cancer No Excuses T-Shirt