5 yr old-how much writing

[spidermansmum]

I have seen such an improvement in DS letter formation,poor lad got thoroughly confused as in school they had him learning to write cursive and joined up[every letter started on the line] then we started HS with LHFHG and the books had him mostly stating at the top of the letter...but although we are getting most letters now formed this way and he can read quite well he really hates writing.Mostly I get him doing a few practice letters in handwriting but he certainly not filling the page and Ithink he really will balk at writing a whole verse.Should I push this or leave it?

[Jen in Va]

My son is 5.5 yo and we're using Little Hearts. We started out with Handwriting Without Tears, but once he had the letter formations down I switched him to copywork (not called for in Little Hearts). At first he was very much into having me say a word and he would write it as he sounded it out. Now I write a sentence from his reader on to the paper as it should look, and he copies it. This is done on the days Carrie has handwriting scheduled. He's not writing a whole verse--about the length of one line of standard 1st grade paper 11x8.5. Is your son an early 5--when does he turn 6? If he's just doing letters now, I would go slowly into words--maybe words he is learning to read? I'd hold off on verses with him until he is more comfortable with writing. Meanwhile you can have him do things like cutting, tracing, etc. to work on his fine motor skills.

[mom2boys030507]

Here are my thoughts. If he is getting bored just practicing letters have him start copying words, Only one or two words to start with. When we moved beyond that I had my son dictate a sentence to me, this was modivating for him. Slowly we moved into copying the Bible verses but I would split it up over 2-3 days depending on the length. Slowly and steadily he will start to write more.

Karen

[Carrie]

The ladies are giving you such wonderful advice and encouragement! I'll just pop-in to say that CM-style writing means that fewer letter, even one letter, done perfectly is better than many letters done poorly. So that is the way we go with our kiddos. Rather than turning writing into a battle, we do less... better. Maturity helps so much as those little muscles strengthen. Time is on your side!

Blessings,
Carrie

[blessedwith2]

I agree with all that the ladies here have said. (I have attended MANY handwriting and fine motor workshops during my pre-mommy career as a pediatric occupational therapist.) Less is more really is the rule to follow here...the important thing is that you show your child HOW to form the letters (not just giving him a paper full of letters to trace) and that he do just a few with proper formation.

If we force too much writing on a child before he/she is ready and demand that he/she do a full line/page, etc., the writing typically gets worse as they get tired and then bad habits (that are REALLY hard to break) form. Stick to fun atcivities that strengthen the small muscles of the hand and a few letters formed correctly as they are ready...and you know your child best, so you decide when that is!

Hope this helps! God bless!

Delia

[busybee4]

Delia,

What kind of activities would you recommend that would help with the fine motor skills and strengthening the muscles? I'd love to hear your ideas!!!

[mom2boys030507]

A couple of fine motor skills/ strengthening activites.

Sort objects into egg cartons with tweasers - if to hard use the pincer grasp to start with.
Find the object in playdough, goop, clay - use beads, buttons, small animals. My boys love this one.

I can't think of anyothers right now - it is getting late for me.