Handwriting for early readers

I don’t have any real answers.    My DD was reading fluently at 3 and totally despised writing.  She’s now 10 and still doesn’t enjoy it.  I gave her plenty of space, tried to not force it, tried to strengthen her hands w/ play-dough and such, and well, I’ve just decided its not her thing.  She still needs to be proficient, and actually, her formation of letters is fine, she just doesn’t love it. 

My DS also was an early reader just like his sister, but writing doesn’t bother him the same way.  I give him traceable copywork (both of them actually), but really need to work w/ him more because his writing isn’t as neat.  I don’t want to push too hard because of all the issues I’ve had with his older sister. He doesn’t “love” copywork, but its not the bane of his existence either, like it is for his sister. 

I do not remember either of my children caring much for writing at 2. Drawing yes, but not trying to write too many letters, they loved books and that was their focus. 

I guess what I would suggest is things you can do to strengthen your child’s hands for writing.  My DD did things like play-dough but when it was time for her to start learning how to write, she complained it hurt her hands.  In retrospect, I would have done more.  I’ve often wondered if its sensory.

Rebekah,

  I would encourage you not to have her use a pencil yet, just the fat crayons. Using magnet letters could be a good distraction from the letter writing, since your concern is valid in that you don’t want her developing the “habit” of poor formation. It’s good advice given above to encourage hand strenghtening, too

  I don’t know what you think of Handwriting without Tears letter style; I wasn’t crazy about it either and have since, with a 10 yr. old who enjoys writing now, changed her print style from HWT to DN just fine a year ago. However, their early pre-k and K materials are wonderful since it was developed by an occupational therapist.

At her age the Wooden capital letters and cards would be fun and the Stamp and See Screen (this one was great because she could stamp it and then trace over it with the little magnetic pen that’s designed specifically for little hands); my dd enjoyed the Pre-K Wall cards to trace with her finger, color and hang-up on her wall to look at (learning by osmosis around here!).

They have a new product, which I think is very age appropriate for your dd (It wasn’t around when my dd was little), is the Roll-A-Dough letters. Then around 4 or so, the Chalkboard for free-hand work.

HWT Pre-K

HTH,

Rachel