photo courtesy of google images

I recently enrolled my son in a pre-school program through the city where we live.  It’s been an adjustment since he is almost four and has never really had a conventional class room agenda.  Because of this I decided to introduce school and class to him slowly, by only enrolling him once a week for a few hours.  He has been going for three weeks now, and it’s been great for him and mommy.       

            Since he turned two I have been working on his communication development, words, sub words, and pretty much everything in between.  It’s been super challenging because my son is full of energy and is easily distracted.  He’s so smart and eager to learn which is why I began  teaching him early on in the first place.  He liked it and so I ran with it.  Since I stay home I wanted take full advantage of my children’s education. 

            When he started school I became so discouraged.  All he wanted to do was run around and play with all the toys, while all the other kids were writing their first and last names.  I was AMAZED! And at the same time a little disappointed that my son didn’t know these things. 

            I had no idea know that at three years old kids needed to know how to write their names.  I felt immediately that my son was behind all the other kids and that I wasn’t doing a good enough job with him at home.  It was difficult for me. 

            Now I am coping because his teacher and staff are super supportive.  I felt so encouraged and ready to take this challenge head on.  I know he’s going to get it and excel and I’m excited to watch his progress. 

            So If you are going through this or are struggling with your toddler in this area, I want to provide a few tips that are helping my son today.  Remember during this process to always use positive reinforcements and words of encouragement, if your too tough or negative you can turn them away from their learning process. 

Here are the Toddler Writing expectations:

1. Motor skill/muscle abilities:

            I think naturally we want to give the pencil to our kids and have them write their ABCs and expect them to do it right.  Well it doesn’t work that way.  They have to build up the fine motor skills to write.  For example, what hand to use, how to hold the pencil, and which way to write.  There are so many ways to build these skills with making it fun in the meantime.  Every child develops these skills at different times. 

            A. use something other than crayons or pencils to trace.  Use chalk, paint brushes, cheerios, even toys to help your child trace/follow lines.  This keeps them entertained and also helps them learn at the same time.  Our teacher recommended using painters tape to make lines and have my son use his cars to follow them. 

            B. Don’t rush into the letters and numbers right away.  Focus on basic lines, circles, and squiggly lines.  They have to get the gist of using their hands to follow the lines from top to bottom.

basic lines

            C. Break the large crayons in small pieces.  This forces your child to grip the crayon rather than holding with a fist.  It has made an improvement for my son in many ways. 

2. Use of stickers and Bingo doppers:

Bingo Dopper Art

            In my sons class they have the letter/number/shape of the day.  The teacher prints out a letter or number and it’s made of circles.  The kids use the bingo doppers to trace the letter or number.  My son has done outstanding in this area.  I definitely recommend this specific lesson for teaching your kids.  It’s fun and helps them build onto the skill of writing.

            Allow your child to peel the stickers from the sheet and stick them on paper.  They will do this using the tips of their fingers and it also allows them to use their critical thinking. “How do I get this sticker off?” Let them figure it out. 

3.  Big Letters:

            My son learned the alphabet by recognizing “big” and “small”.  Instead of capital “A” it is “big” A and “little” A.  He recognizes them often when we’re driving or out and about.  When introducing your child to writing his name or letters make sure they are big enough for them to see.  The smaller the print, the more confusing.  Start big and shrink the letters as they grasp the concept. 

4. The grand expectation:

            Don’t worry if your child scribbles or doesn’t understand how to write at three.  Not all kids understand it right away and it’s totally fine.  Personally it was hard for me because I felt like I didn’t teach him enough.  Try to focus on your child’s strengths and work from there.  They will get it when they are ready.  It’s important to make it as fun as possible since these little ones have very short attention spans. 

5.  Enjoy the process:

            This is a very important tip, sometimes I have to remind myself to do this.  We forget that their little minds are going so fast and learning so much.  Just over the last year my son has progressed tremendously and I am so proud of him.  Remind them that you’re proud of their hard work.  We want them to meet ours, a teacher’s, or school’s expectations and we forget to remind them how awesome they are in the process.

            So there are a few tips on how to help your child in this area.  This is some advice I received from my son’s preschool teacher.  She is absolutely Amazing.  My son and I are super lucky to have found her.  She’s been so supportive and encouraging in my son’s educational journey.  I can’t wait to see what’s in store for him. 

            Remember that school can be scary at first take it slow and allow them to get things at their own pace.  I know I struggle with it daily.  I think it’s normal but we can deal with it in a positive way. 

            Thanks for stopping by mommies, Keep sharing and voting for my blog.  I love and appreciate all your comments and feedback! Together we can strive for mommy success!

XOXO,

Reina