Is your child a reluctant writer or are they finding it difficult to write? Do they enjoy the act of writing but you are struggling to find activities to keep them on task?
Our worksheets have been developed to help engage and encourage your child to become more confident when making their mark. These are our top tips to get the most out of our worksheets.
- Review the age suggestions. Each of our resource packs has been developed at a specific level, and indicates the general age range this will apply to. Whilst it won't be appropriate to all children, it is a good guide for most.
- Make it personal. Choose something from your child’s age bracket that you think they will enjoy (favourite animal, favourite activity) – then purchase, download and print.
- Print it BIG. Our resources are designed to be printed on A4 paper, however for younger users or to add some fun size it up to A3. The larger the page you present, the bigger the grins!
- Be Savvy. Save paper, ink, the environment and your wallet! Laminate your worksheets for re-use, use non-permanent markers to complete and wipe clean after use. This works perfectly at home and is especially great in classroom settings.
- Encourage colour. Using different coloured pencils, crayons or markers on the one page/activity allows children to complete a worksheet many times over. Repetitive use builds ability and confidence, and the colour choices allow children to use individual expression to create something they enjoy.
- Use the wall. Try taping resource sheets onto a vertical surface before use. Writing on a vertical surface engages the muscles used for sitting (core) and encourages good shoulder stability and wrist extension.
- Use the floor. Allow your child to lie on their tummy on the floor. The flat surface will support their body and may make the process more comfortable for them.
- Position is important. When sitting at a desk make sure the feet are flat on the floor, elbows supported by the table top and the back of the chair is supporting the child.
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Order. Our worksheets can be used in any order, or individually, but in our experience the following works well
- Colouring in with basic outline
- Vertical and horizontal line worksheets
- Diagonal worksheets
- Dot-to dot -
Practice makes perfect. Learning to write is a complex task which takes time and practice.
Preschoolers should be focussing on strengthening their sitting muscles (core) and writing muscles (fine motor) through play-based activities. Writing implements can include sticks, fingers, thick crayons/pencils/textas and paintbrushes. If your child is a reluctant writer, we recommend short bursts of good practice to improve confidence rather than a specific timeframe.