Teaching kids to write ABC might seems daunting but if you follow a clear approach it can become much easier. You can teach it in a joyful, fun way rather than making it a struggle!
So Let’s learn to teach how to write without putting up a Fight!
Work On Recognition First
- Spend ample time reading books, word dictionaries and show flash cards to make sure your child can identify different letters before making them write.
- Model writing to them by using a chalk and slate or crayon on plain paper. Now let them show interest in writing
Work on Fine Motor Skills
Kids need to develop muscle control to start writing so let them develop the write pre-writing skills by lacing, molding, pouring, play-dough, using scissors etc. Refer to my post on pre-writing skills for kids here to know more about this!
Let their pace lead you
This is the most important. With school pressure you might be tempted to define the right pace of learning for your child based on what the school follows. But don’t let the pressure get to you.
Let them learn at the pace at which they want to.
Take a step back when required
If your child doesn’t show interest it is important to take a step back. Give it a break and start over.
You’ll be surprised how sometimes they remember everything and do it better without practice too.
Stop yourself from correcting or comparing
When the child starts out, they don’t understand lines within which they are supposed to write. So if they make mistakes let them be. Focus on getting the strokes right and don’t interrupt them too much.
Make a Schedule but keep it flexible
Sounds confusing? Here’s what I mean!
Focus on 1 alphabet per week, but don’t be rigid. If an alphabet is taking too long, don’t worry. Skip it and come back to it later. Don’t take stress if they forget a part of what they had learnt.
Play and Revise
Revise through play during the day. Play and learn is the best way to get them to remember things properly.
Remember
- They will learn to write one day.
- Don’t let it ruin your relationship with your child. Take a step back when you are too tired.
- Don’t let it ruin your child’s relationship with learning. Its possible that they haven’t discovered the right pace or way yet. So don’t push it so much that they stop wanting to learn.
As parents we must keep patience and let them follow their own pace of learning. Let them develop a love of learning and exploring rather than focusing on getting it right. Accept and encourage them if they make mistakes and learning will never be a struggle.
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