Wrapping Paper Coloring Activity

While Christmas shopping last weekend I came across this fantastic wrapping paper, which was on sale at JoAnn Fabrics for 60% off - original price $3.99! A great bargain AND a really fun activity for home or school!

There are so many benefits to having kids write or color on vertical surfaces. It not only helps with muscle strength in their arms, but also puts their hand in the correct position for writing and coloring, such as:

WRIST EXTENSION - wrist slightly pulled back (away from palm)

TRIPOD GRASP - thumb, index and middle finger forming a "tripod"; this is the most functional way to hold (grasp) a writing utensil!

As you can see, I also have my bucket of Magic Crayons for the kids to use. They're simply broken into smaller pieces - halves or thirds - which also helps facilitate a tripod grasp. Easy trick, but be aware that some kids may get tired very easily, especially when working vertically!

This is a great activity for anytime, but especially during the holidays when kids are buzzing with excitement. Keep your eyes peeled for coloring paper next time you go to JoAnn Fabrics, or any store that sells wrapping paper. And if you can't find this paper, you could always use a roll of plain easel paper or even just tape coloring pages onto the wall for a fun activity at home or a holiday party. Just be sure to supervise the kids when coloring...if they're anything like my own, you'll have artwork on the paper AND THE WALLS! 

Happy coloring and happy holidays!

Handwriting Practice Cards

For some children, handwriting can be a very daunting task. Finding ways to make it both functional AND fun is very important. This hand-made set of letter and number cards is a simple and versatile way for kids to practice formation beyond the basic, mundane pencil-paper routine.

Simply take a set of blank 3 x 5" index cards and use a variety of fun colors to write the letters and numbers. Be sure to place your practice line properly for lower case letters - it's very important for kids that need practice to be able to properly visualize correct letter formation in relation to the base line! Laminate the cards using a laminating machine or even contact paper. Grab a dry-erase marker and you're good to go! You can punch a hole in the top corner of each card and store on a loose leaf ring to keep them all together.

As you can see in the picture, providing a box will help kids who may write too large or small by giving them boundaries when writing. The line to the right simulates how it will appear on paper, and also gives them a chance to further test visual perceptual skills by removing the boundary.

Many times I'll have my students trace the letter with the index finger on their dominant hand a few times (3-5) before writing the letter. This offers additional kinesthetic practice and tactile input, which can enhance their understanding of how the letter is created in space. You can also use Wikki Stix/Bendaroos to have the child form the letter on top of the card as well.

Other ideas for these cards include:

• Place the cards around a table or even the room; have the child locate in alphabetical or numerical order to write on each card
• Have the child elect letters in one of their sight words or spelling list words before writing on the cards
• Use your finger to write the letter/number on the child's back; have them guess which letter/number then find that card to write it out

There are limitless options to use the cards in fun ways to help your child with letter and number formation that go far beyond rote practice! Use your imagination and see what fun ideas you can come up with!