When practicing handwriting, it is important to incorporate as much movement and sensory input as possible into the activity. Having a child sit at a table and trace or copy letters and words is one approach, but it won't be long before the child gets bored and is ready to quit. Try these fun multi-sensory writing activities to practice letter and number formation and your child will have a blast while learning at the same time.
- Form letters and numbers in shaving cream on a paper plate or cookie sheet.
- Have the child form the letters using Elmer’s glue on a piece of card stock then sprinkle the glue with colored sugar or colored sand. Once dry, these make nice tactile cards for tracing the letters with a fingertip. Have the child trace the letters with her eyes closed so that she can “feel” the formation.
- Trace and write large letters on a sheet protector using a dry erase maker.
- Form letters out of play dough or putty, then trace over them with an index finger.
- Form letters out of wikki stix (can be found at department or craft stores).
- Fill a large ziplock freezer bag with cheap hair gel and glitter. Smooth it out and have the child trace and write on this using a fingertip.
All of these activities help children develop automatic motor memories for each letter or number formation. Have fun!
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