The new year has brought many new things to our household. One of the major changes has been starting “formal” home preschool. For two years we’ve been doing an extremely laid back tot school that focused on books and fun activities. When we found out my son has SPD, it became obvious that the laissez faire approach might not prepare him for success. So I’m trying to be disciplined and intentional, but still heavy on the fun and spontaneity. One of the areas we try and work on everyday is “handwriting”. We’re talking very basic: making criss crosses, proper pencil grip, finger strengthening.
This game is a new favorite of ours. We call it “Pick ’em Up!” and it’s a fun and exciting way to teach a proper pencil grasp!
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Materials:
A die with different colors on each side (We got our die from the game “Pop The Pig”
One crayon to correspond with each side of your colored die
Directions:
The game is easy enough for young children to “grasp” quickly. 😉 Have them roll the die. What ever color comes up, quickly grab the same colored crayon. The child then adjusts their grip until it’s suitable to write then they shout, “I’m ready to write!” Once you give their pencil grasp approval, they drop it like it’s hot and it’s your turn.
Our die has one side that has multi-colors. We just use that as a free for all, no need to grab the “right” color. There’s also a side with an X in it. If that is rolled, the player loses their turn.
It’s simple, but my uber resistant son LOVES it and asked to play it most every day!
This post is part of a great series on ways to use common craft supplies to help your kids to learn! No fancy materials or curriculum required!
If you’re looking for more ideas to help a child that resists putting crayon to paper, try some of these!
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Julie is a frazzled mom of three tornadoes. As a dorky second-generation homeschooler, she writes about learning and play, natural living, special needs parenting and matters of the heart. She serves an astounding God that radically saved her.
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