Writing Tips for Preschool Parents

Does even thinking about writing with your preschooler seem like an impossible task? With these writing tips for each age it will be a breeze. You will have them sitting up at the table practicing their writing skills as soon as you’re ready. So, whether you are still stuck at home right now or you are worried about a decrease in fine motor skills and writing check this out!

For three-year old’s writing isn’t so much about the writing as it is about the pencil grip. Small children have to fine tune those motor skills by doing things like using scissors, scribbling, tying knots, or beading. You are still asking them to “write” even if they are just scribbling. This is a good pre-writing skill. They are just one step closer by putting pen to paper and thinking they are writing. The more that you do this and keep a journal of each of their writings you will see the progress. It will go from random scribbles that look more like drawing, to small circular doodles, to wavy horizontal lines, to huge block letters (usually the letters in their name). It is an amazing process to see happen over months of work.

By age four most children have learned to write their name or all or most of the letters in their name. It is very important to them. If you are struggling to get your preschooler to sit and practice writing, then ask them to write their name for you. They will likely be very excited to do so, and even more excited to show you that they did it! Even if they are making repetitive marks they are learning. It is important that when you are showing your child how to write something or making letters for them make sure that you are both facing the same direction (or else they learn to write backwards and upside down).

Five- year old’s have a pretty firm grasp on writing for the most part. Many are still just writing in a made-up language, but much of it is real letters. If this sounds likes your kiddo, they are on a great writing path. Give them writing prompts; tell them to write a story about a dragon. See where they take it, and they will be so excited to tell you their story once they are done. Practice and repetition are a must at any age. If they are struggling with their name, then keep working at that. If they have a weak pencil grip work on fine motor skills. Also, pencil grips are a great tool to use as well. If your kiddo is on it and can do all that you ask them to, then their next level up is to practice writing inside the lines in the paper to start making smaller letters.

Writing is a fun thing to regularly practice with your child, just like reading with them each day. Make fun activities like tracing letters with glitter or colored salt/sugar/rice. Pull out those take out chop sticks and they can make letters out of them. Set up a special writing area for your child it will make writing feel important like it is their job; big hit especially if you already have a home office just build in there.

Have fun writing with your children by making fun games and doing fine motor (pencil grip strengthening) activities. Remember that every child is different; not all will reach the same milestones at the same time. You cannot compare your second child to your first. You cannot criticize your parenting skills either even if you are doing the exact same steps. Writing is a major milestone. Remember back to that first time they sat up; same concept. Only repetition will make for perfection.

Ms. Brooke
Lead Pre-Kindergarten Teacher
Literacy Coordinator