How to Teach a Child to Write

Teaching a child how to write is not easy and can not be done overnight. Writing takes time to master so do not be discouraged if your child does not catch on to the concept right away. There are techniques you can use to help your child begin writing but it will take a lot of practice.

Drawing is the first step in learning to write. Every time your toddler draws you a picture he is helping to improve his fine motor skills. By developing fine motor skills it will help your toddler to develop the tripod grasp used by most of us while writing.

As your child grows his drawing change from scribbles to objects that both you and your toddler can identify. Each picture begins to tell a story. By the time your toddler is four years old they will begin writing words in their own "special way". This means they will use a series of shapes and scribbles that tell what there drawing is about. This is an excellent time to start focusing on writing their letters and name.

You can start by teaching your toddler to write the letters of the alphabet. It is important to not focus to much on the way they are holding their writing instrument because they may not be ready to use the tripod grasp and you do not want to discourage them.

You can teach them by writing a letter and having them copy what you did. You can use paper, a dry erase board or a chalkboard. First you draw the letter and next they do their best to copy your work. It will take some practice for their letters to match yours, just remember to encourage your child and let them know they are doing a great job.

Another way is make them trace an outline of dots to create each letter. You can do this yourself or you can purchase workbooks that are full of these types of activities.

This is also a good way for your child to learn the alphabet if they do not already know it.

Once you have taught your child how to write the letters of the alphabet you can teach them how to write his/her name. You toddler will be proud of his accomplishment. You can also teach him how to write the names of other family members. Your toddler will love showing off his new writing skills to everyone!

There are a number of games that you can play with your child. One of the best ones is a teacher/student type of game. This is were you and your toddler will take turns in each role. You can play it how ever you choose. You can each draw letters and have the other guess what it is, or you can write people's names and guess who they are, etc. This is also a great game for older children to play with younger siblings. Children love playing school. The best part is that they are learning while they are playing!