Wrentham Public Schools Handwriting

Handwriting

These handwriting apps are occupational therapy tools that support the underlying skills needed for handwriting. Some apps allow kids to “write” letters using a resistance-free surface on the tablet or iPad. This input can be the “just right” level for some kids. Other Handwriting apps listed address other skills. Let’s take a look at how to use these apps in occupational therapy services. You can also add a feels like paper screen protector on the tablet to have a more consistent paper feel. Remember that all kids are different and all have specific needs, so these recommendations may not work for every child or individual.

ITrace - is a handwriting app that does have a price for the main version, however, there is a free version available with some activities. Users can trace letters, numbers, words, and shapes while working on visual motor skills and letter formation.
Writing Wizard - This app is available on Google Play and allows users to trace letters along a visual guide. There are various fonts available and size can be adjusted for
different ages.
Start Dot - This app addresses letter formation using visual, auditory, and movement cues. These prompts fade to address accuracy and independence.
Write ABC – Learn Alphabets Games for Kids- This handwriting app is available on Google Play. The app helps younger children work on letter formation using visual cues
for starting points and ending points.
Sand Draw - This free Google Play app provides a sandy beach for kids to practice writing letters, words, or phrases in. Use it to practice spelling words for a fun twist.

Apps you can purchase to work on handwriting at home

Letter School https://www.letterschool.com/ – Works on proper letter formation with fun and errorless learning.
Ready to Print https://readytoprintapp.com/ – A Comprehensive Tablet App for Developing Pre-Writing Skills Developed by a pediatric occupational therapist, Ready to
Print is the ultimate tool for parents, therapists, and educators to help children build a strong foundation for handwriting success. Available for iPad, Android Tablet, and Kindle Tablet. One-time purchase, no subscription.

Typing Practice at Home:

Dance Matt Typing – https://www.dancemattypingguide.com/ – Dance matt typing is a fun typing program that is fun and engaging. It is colorful and funny and has music and songs.

Handwriting Practice at Home

Practice Handwriting WITHOUT a pencil:

Cookie Tray Taste Safe Writing: put cornmeal, flour rice, lentils, beans, hot cocoa powder in a cookie tray and use a pointer finger to write letters, words or draw pictures. A non-taste safe option could be sand.
Sidewalk Writing: Use water and a paintbrush to paint pictures or letters on the sidewalk. Another fun option is making your own sidewalk paint and painting with that. Recipe below;
- Mix equal parts cornstarch and water and whisk smoothly. Divide mixture into cups or a muffin tin. Use a small drop of food coloring to color the individual containers and then use paint brushes, sponges, or foam brushes to paint onto sidewalks.
- TIP: Use just 1 drop of food coloring. If you over-do the food coloring you could possibly stain surfaces. A small amount will simply wash off with water!
Push Pin Letters: put letters on top of cardboard or a cork board and push the push pins into the letters to practice making letter shapes
Erasing letters: write letters on a chalkboard or whiteboard and have your child trace over the letters to erase them. Use a sponge, cotton ball or their pointer finger to erase the letters.
Shaving Cream: Shaving cream is a great tool to practice writing or drawing with a sensory piece. Pick shaving cream with different smells to add variety in the olfactory
sensory piece of this activity. Put shaving cream on tables, the shower walls, or mirrors. Have your child use their pointer finger to draw letters, shapes or pictures. Added bonus, the shaving cream cleans the surface you use it on!
Play with your food: make letters out of small food items such as raisins, cereal, mini marshmallows, chocolate chips or anything else small and delicious that you have around the house.
Stickers: Use stickers to independently make letters or draw letters on paper and have your child place the stickers on the lines to practice writing letters or letter recognition
and fine motor precision.
Playdough: roll playdough into snakes and build letters.
Blocks: Use blocks to build letters.
Building Letters: Use pipe cleaners, wikisticks, or other fun and bendy items to build letters.