Writing is a way we are able to convey our deepest thoughts and feelings. A way we can express ourselves to others. Did you know, those subconscious ‘strokes’ made by our pen while we write, have some other skills to thank?
Namely, Pre-Writing Skills!
Before the Chicken, there was the Egg. And before Writing, there is Pre-Writing. It’s perhaps a perfect analogy, since Pre-Writing is a sort of ‘incubation period’, for the more refined process of writing to follow.
If you’re looking to answer the question ‘What are Pre-Writing Skills’, you will have to go back to your preschool years. The time you learned to form Letters, without the use of a Pen.
In this article, you will discover How to Develop Pre-Writing Skills. This blog post will cover the Benefits of Pre-writing Skills for Preschoolers, and even touch upon some fine Pre-Writing Skills Activities.
Let’s get started , and see what the fuss about Pre-Writing Skills is all about!
Pre-Writing Skills: A Closer Look
In a nutshell, Pre-Writing Skills can be defined as the fundamental writting skills that need to be grasped by kids, before they start writing.
These skills encompass not merely the ability of a child to Hold and Use a pencil, but also to Draw, Copy, Write and Colour. When we talk of pre-writing skills, we speak of laying an emphasis on those ‘pencil strokes.’ The very building blocks of Numbers, Letters and Drawings.
Pre-Writing Skills: Basics
When speaking of Pre-Writing Skills Development, we are talking about learning the most basic ‘lines’ and ‘strokes.’
Of course, while all of these come naturally to us, our children have to work hard towards mastering them. All so that, they can in due course of time write down the letters of the alphabet in succinct fashion.
The following is the sequence of Pre-Writing Skills Development that is commonly seen amongst most preschoolers.
- The Vertical Line. Imitated at 2 years of age, mastered by age 3.
- The Horizontal Line. Imitated at age 2 and a half, mastered by age 3.
- The Circle. Imitated at age 2 and a half, mastered by the age of 3.
- The Cross. Imitated by the time they are 3 and a half, mastered by age 4.
- The Square. When they are 4 years old.
- The ‘X’ Shape. By the time they are 5.
- The Triangle. By the age of 5.
The Importance of Pre-Writing Skills for Preschoolers
Yes, we know that pre-writing is essential for learning writing, but just ‘how’ important is it? Let’s take a look!
Learning the Fundamentals
Long before children actually begin writing, they need to have a firm grasp on the fundamentals. These include things like learning how to hold a pencil properly, and even following the dotted lines.
Hand-Eye Coordination
Children who are beginning to learn writing, must use their gross motor skills, such as Hand-Eye Coordination. This skill is especially important, when it comes to honing their ability to write.
The Enhancement of Visual-Motor Development
This skill is important where it comes to helping kids Read and Write, and even Spell better!
Improving Posture and Core Control
The very act of Writing, necessitates one having a good Posture, and efficient control of their Core. Note: Ideally, your child should be sitting straight. Their feet must be flat on the floor and their arms, at right angles to the table.
They are the first steps in a child’s ‘Communication’
Remember the times you used to draw pictures as a child? That’s the very first medium that children use, as a means to express themselves. Moreover, they will come up with engrossing tales about the pictures they draw.
It helps in teaching them Bilateral Coordination
This one is an essential skill all children need to learn, before they start writing. Holding a pencil in one hand, and a paper in another, is made possible with Bilateral Coordination.
Learning Patterns and Shapes
Before they can write, kids must learn the Patterns and Shapes in letters. When they do things like trace circular patterns and make zig-zag lines, they get to learn just that.
Pre-Writing Skills Activities
Looking at how to develop pre-writing skills for your little one? You’re in luck!
In this section, we have carefully compiled for you a list of some cool pre-writing skills activities. If you’re looking to boost those pre-writing skills in your preschooler, you need look no further!
Play-Doh Letters
Now, which kid out there can resist putting their hands in Play-doh?
To do: Let your kids roll that Play-doh into ‘snakes.’ Then, have them join those snakes to form letters of the alphabet!
Shaving Cream Drawing Fun
There’s another use that shaving cream can be put to, besides ‘shaving’, of course!
To do: Spray some shaving cream onto a flat surface. Let your child get as creative as they can, drawing everything from straight lines to circles.
Note: Each of these ‘shapes’ is essential, as they are used to form letters.
Drawing on boxes
Who says you need to throw out all the empty boxes in your storage area?
To do: Give your children some markers, and let them create shapes. The more they practice, the better they will get!
Painting with Water
Who needs Colours, when you can paint with Water?
To do: Splash some water onto a blackboard, and let your child use their fingers to trace it. Note: If you prefer, you might make use of a paintbrush.
Sand Tray
Why go to the beach for some Sand Fun, when you can bring the Sand home?
To do: have your child trace shapes with their finger, in a tray filled with sand. Tip: Don’t have sand on hand? No problem! Use flour or even cornmeal, instead.
At EuroKids we believe that parents of preschoolers must lay a strong emphasis on their children honing Pre-Writing Skills. Just like a ‘warm up’ is performed before that rigorous exercise in the gym, Pre-Writing Skills help lay the foundation for the Formal Writing Practice in later years.
