How to Help Your First Grader Become a Better Writer
One of the skills that first graders spend a lot of time on is writing. Although many learn to write in kindergarten, first grade is when writing rules are implemented. Gone are the days of writing in all capital letters; now children must begin to appropriately use upper and lower-case letters as well as punctuation. There are ways that you can help your first grader become a better writer at home, which will reinforce what she learns in school.
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Instructions
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Beginning Manuscript
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Verify that you are connected to the Internet and open your web browser. Visit the Donna Young Printables and Resources website (see Resources). The Donna Young site provides information for teachers, homeschool parents and to supplement your child’s education at home.
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Click on the “Handwriting” link located at the top of the page. Select the “Beginning Manuscript” option.
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Read through the Beginning Manuscript page to learn why and how Donna Young created the practice sheets. After reading the page, select the “Words” link from the top.
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Click on the links in “The Handwriting Lessons” section located in the blue box on the right side of the page. There are approximately 40 words listed. Each word will open up a page in Adobe Acrobat Reader. Print the page for your child. As your child masters the words in this list, move on to the next section by following the next set of steps.
More Advanced Writing Skills
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Click on the “Small Print” link from the Handwriting section of the Donna Young site. The small print letters are used after mastery has been achieved with the beginning words. As children progress through first grade, they will be required to write smaller and have the letters spaced more closely together. These printables will help.
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Select the “Zaner Bloser Style” link. Choose from the options located in the “Handwriting Lessons” box. Again, the lessons will open up in Adobe Acrobat. Individual letters, numbers, words and sentences are available.
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Print these out for your child to use for practice. As they get better and better, you'll notice a difference in their schoolwork and their confidence level when it comes to writing.
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Tips & Warnings
Print out the blank paper that Donna Young offers on her website. This will print a replica of the handwriting paper that is likely used in your child’s school and can be used for the child’s free writing skills.
The phrase “practice makes perfect” really makes a difference when it comes to handwriting. Your child’s writing will go through a big transformation through her first grade year and it is important for her to practice daily.
Resources
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