handwriting

Handwriting begins at a young age - and you as parents obviously see your children hold a writing utensil and attempt to write letters and words. A few years back, I heard about a handwriting curriculum and really liked it, so I started implementing it into the classroom - it is easy and fun for kids to learn how to write letters. It is called Handwriting without Tears; the pre-K version is Get Set for School! I first purchased the wooden capital letters and started using those as children learn how to form letters and then bought several other tools that we use quite often in the preschool. A lot of children are already writing letters when they enter preschool and that is great!! We focus a lot on capital letters, but it is okay if children already know lower case too. 
One of the most commonly used handwriting tool we use is the capital writing sheet - it demonstrates how to write BIG letters using big lines, little lines, big curves, little curves. It's easy for the children to learn!!
In December, I attended a webinar and learned a great way to help children learn to write their name. I wish I would have learned this technique years ago, but now I have it and started using it right away!
Basically I draw a line across the top of the paper (leave room for writing name), then write the child's name with a highlighter in capitals, next mark the starting point of each letter with a red star. Lastly, the children trace over their name with a darker marker. It has worked quite well so far this year. We use it mostly when children do an art picture - they "write" their name first and then work on art! Some of the common phrases they hear us teachers say: Start at the top and use your "busy fingers" (pointer, middle man and thumb), sleepy fingers stay sleeping (ring man and pinky)
Here is a sample:

The "smiley face" lets us know where to start writing.

This helps keep the name organized.

If you are interested in using this same format at home or want to learn more about handwriting- here is a link just for parents!! 
http://www.hwtears.com/hwt/parents