Teaching to write is the most difficult task for kindergarten teachers.
Many students find it hard to start writing. Unlike speaking and reading, writing requires more physical skills. Writing needs hand-eye coordination. From holding pens to writing differently shaped letters, children need strong gross motor skills for writing.
There are many reasons why children struggle to write in classrooms. Some of the reasons include,
- Lack of practice
Children don’t get enough practice writing in class. In fact, according to one study, only about a third of students in grades 3-8 writes frequently in class.
- Difficulty with grammar
Many children struggle with grammar, which makes it hard to write clearly.
- Poor vocabulary.
Children don’t always know the right words to use when writing.
- Fear of being wrong.
Many children are afraid of making mistakes when writing. This can make it difficult for them to get started.
So, we have to make our students more confident in writing. It is not a simple task, it takes time and patience. For this, we need to build the confidence to write in children.
Build strong gross motor skills
Strong motor skills have a direct impact on writing. Some kids find it hard to write Because they can’t write letters as expected, that is because of poor hand movements and flexibility.
Gross motor skills are responsible for, the grip and holding of a pencil to write. So use games and tasks to build good gross motor skills before teaching to write.
Tools
Use good tools to increase the confidence of children. For writing, tools are pencils, pens or crayons, and writing surfaces. The child may struggle to write with a pencil, then allow them to use crayons or stitches to start writing, and then after getting enough flexibility, let them Change to pencils.
Allow children to start writing with their comfortable tools.
Another advantage is using different colorful tools attracts children more into writing.
Appreciate each progress
Learning to write is a long process. In order to continue this journey, positive feedback is necessary. Appreciating children in small wins they make Gives them the energy to continue with more effort.
Feeling valued is one of the best reasons to continue the journey.
Allow them to make mistakes
Allowing children to make mistakes is the best way to build confidence.
Why do children fear to start writing? It’s mainly because they are afraid of making mistakes. Allow them to make mistakes, don’t make fun of their mistakes. Encourage them to write more and to make mistakes.
Sharing
Ask children to share the writing with classmates. Studies show that sharing in peer groups increases confidence in writing for children. The advantage of sharing with peers is that they are not judgmental, so children feel free to share with classmates.
These are only some ways to boost confidence in writing for beginners.
Fixed writing practice time and fixed writing goals are some easy daily tasks to make the interest in writing. Don’t push too hard on children, learning to write will take time, and don’t force yourself to make handwriting attractive from the beginning. Allow them to write in their own font, and after they get comfortable with writing guide them to make good handwriting.
