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Teaching Kids to Write

Smita Pandit
Most parents introduce their children to learning, starting with the alphabet. They help them recognize the letters and their sounds. Teachers as well as the parents are aware of the importance of using a multisensory approach for teaching kids to write. Read on to know more.
While teaching young children, one has to find different ways to keep them interested. A multisensory approach is extremely essential. You cannot talk to them in a monotonous tone.
The child is more likely to listen to you, if you modulate your voice. You have to be a storyteller. Using vibrant colors also appeals to them. If such an approach is not followed, their imaginative mind will wander away to places unknown to you.
Writing is a very important aspect of education. Thus, teachers and parents who are teaching young children to read and write must work in such a way that the children can internalize the shape and sound of the letters. The biggest challenge is to make it interesting. It is extremely essential to encourage the child and reward him/her.
Writing also helps develop the child's fine motor skills. So, before your child understands how to hold a pencil or a pen, use other methods that will keep the child interested.

How to Teach Kids to Write

First of all, you need to help the child recognize the letters of the alphabet and their sounds. Singing the ABC rhyme is just the beginning.
Moreover, there's no dearth of online alphabet games and board games. You can even make delicious cookies in the shape of the letters. You can play alphabet hunt in your backyard, and reward the child on finding and identifying the letter.
You must make sure that you create a fun environment while you are teaching your kids how to write. They have an impressionable mind, so if they start disliking reading and writing in the initial stages, you will find it very hard to make them understand it later.

Make it Interesting

Before you hand over a pencil for the writing lessons, use interesting textured materials or surfaces on which the child can write. Spread sand or chalk powder on the table and encourage the child to form the letters using his/her finger.
You can also create an outline of the letter and ask the child to place buttons or gems on it. He/she can also play with colorful alphabet stickers or textured paper cutouts. Even shaving foam can be used to create the letters. The child can also practice on a dry erase board.

Pictures and illustrations

The child's room should always be colorful. Play the alphabet song on a daily basis, and ask the child to point out the letters. Clap when the child answers correctly.
Teach with the help of colorful storybooks and letter matching games. Create cartoons using the letters and let them think of it as a fun activity. Show them pictures and see how quickly they make a connection with words. This way they will be able to memorize it.

Start with Basics

Don't put too much pressure on your child. Let them focus on the basics first. Teach them how to hold a pencil correctly. Make sure you have colorful uppercase and lowercase alphabet recognition and worksheets ready. Let them practice block letters first.
Show them colorful pictures of alphabets and letters and let them write it on paper. In the initial stages, let them form the alphabet by keeping the book in front of them. Let them practice and memorize it. However, don't rush into everything simultaneously.
Give your child time to understand. Keep prizes ready. That's a great way to keep their interest intact for a longer time. Give them breaks, if they seem to be getting bored or restless.

Practice

Let them practice daily. Buy games that will be able to help them with words. Get books and fun games that will help them in recognizing the alphabet. If they make mistakes, teach them again. Don't be impatient. Scolding them might scare them. So, let them have fun with words because if they start finding it burdensome, they might start avoiding it.
Be involved with your kids while they read or write. The whole idea is making writing an enjoyable way to spend time. So, encourage them and give them all your love and support.
If your child seems to be disinterested in learning, try newer ways. All parents and teachers must remember the fact that they were also kids once. So, just pay attention to your child and encourage him/her to write well.
Never get frustrated, if your kid is taking longer to learn than you expected. Making it a fun experience will really help in making your kid want to learn how to read and write. So, make consistent efforts to teach a kid to write well and never give up.