This developmental progression of writing, beginning with these shapes, is critical to success with writing. More recently, kids have been expected to be able to write the letters of the alphabet far earlier than they are actually ready. Without these prerequisite skills, children are more susceptible to developing poor writing habits and frustration.
Here are some additional prerequisite motor skills that are critical to developing functional habits for writing…
Maintain a prone position on elbows
Use a pincer grasp to lace small items like beads, cheerios
Manipulate playdough, roll between hands and flatten!
Use an emerging tripod grasp- small crayons and chalk are great!
Use a variety of tools with a mature grasp with three fingers
Snip with scissors
Use hands flat on the floor on all 4s or to propel forward!
Squeeze a pipette or baster with good hand strength!
Handwriting Without Tears is my absolute favorite curriculum to learn developmentally appropriate writing skills!
Let me know what questions you have!!!
