Teaching little ones to write isn’t as easy as giving them a pencil and saying, “Okay, write your name.” There are steps to prepare your learners to get to the writing stage. And each stage is critical to your writers’ success. This tool is perfect for a pencil grip handwriting practice with young writers.
Learning to Write
As toddlers and preschoolers, we introduce them to the lines and curves in letters. Then we begin to form letters with playdough and in sand or salt. But, before forming letters with markers and pencils I like to introduce my writers to the wonderful Magnadoodle.
When it comes to writing I am a strong believer in setting your learners up for success.
A Magnadoodle is a great way to provide positive reinforcement. Learners also get pencil grip and letter formation practice while teaching your beginning writers to be successful.
Pencil Grip
Gripping a pencil can be challenging. And trying to trace 0r write rounded and straight lines while maintaining that grip is nearly impossible for some beginning writers.
However, holding a magnetic tool while tracing letters in a small group setting is much more manageable. And that is exactly what a Magnadoodle can provide your little learners.
Moving from the magnetic tool provided by the Magnadoodle to a pencil or marker is far less challenging than jumping right into a pencil grip.
Writing the Alphabet
Print off some alphabet cards. Then, have your learners pick them from a box or cup and say the name and sound. Next, learners can trace or write the capital and lowercase letter on the Magnadoodle.
They are getting alphabet practice and handwriting practice in fun and engaging way that allows them to easily erase and correct mistakes.
The best thing about this resource is that it grows with your writers. For beginning writers, you can have them write the letters in their name or trace the letters using the shapes that come with the Magnadoodle.
Writing Center
As your learners grow they can write more independently and use the Magnadoodle in literacy stations to build on what they are learning.
Finally, once they are writing their letters and naming their sounds you can add more phonics practice. Writing CVC words together on the Magnadoodle and even continue on to sentences…the possibilities are endless!
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