The confusion of handwriting and writing

What is the difference between handwriting and writing?

For those working in the early years the difference between handwriting and writing is more clearly understood however for parents this can sometimes be more confusing.

Learning to write is of course linked to handwriting, forming letters.  In early years writing is known as scribbles, making marks, drawing and it is also about putting ideas down on paper, where as handwriting is something that relates to correct formation of letters.

For children to begin handwriting there are many processes children will go through in order to achieve this, if stages are skipped then this can hinder children’s development. Handwriting is rarely achieved in the early years and is more concentrated on in later years.

There are activities that are beneficial to children’s handwriting, here are few that you can share with parents

Activities to support pincer grip

The development of pincer grip is important, if children are showed incorrect ways of holding a crayon this can have consequences on restricting children’s movements in enabling them to correctly form letters.

The dynamic tripod grip is the correct way of holding a pencil; this grip allows children the fluidity of being able to make those precise marks. For children to develop this type of grasp they need to be given activities that involve using this grip for example

• Using tweezers to pick up and move items from one place to another eg pasta tubes or chickpeas.
• Eye droppers: Children can use these during water play; using coloured water is more effective.
• Spinning tops, great for children to develop this type of grip.
• Crumple small bits of tissue paper using fingertips, dip in glue and paste onto paper to make a collage picture
• Dress up dolls: have a range of dolls clothes available, the fastening and putting the clothes on require children to use the pincer grips
• Pegging items on a washing line, or pegging pegs on a line of string that is hung on the wall.
• Spray bottles filled with water or coloured paint.
• Peg puzzles

1. Take a look at our Pinterest board for more ideas

Helping parents understand that grasps change

Children’s grasp will change as they develop, this is normally. A young child will begin holding the item using the whole hand palmar grasp; children should not be corrected at this stage as this is age appropriate.  To help the young children during this stage of development offer children resources that allow the child to hold it with a more ball shape.

Understanding the three basic movements

By providing parents with the information about the three basic movements involved in letter formation this will help them understand the full concept of supporting children in developing their handwriting skills.

The three basic movements are anti clockwise rotational marks that begin at the top, vertical marks that also begin at the top and the last one bouncing movements. It is advisable that before children are encouraged to write their name they can demonstrate these three basic movements. Don’t forget that it is not all about giving children a pen and paper to make marks on children can make marks using other resources such as in wet sand and shaving foam, all of this provides children with great opportunities to begin developing those handwriting skills.

It is important to help parents understand the importance of supporting children through the process of writing as children start making marks at an early age. Children should be given the necessary resources and activities to help them develop the skills that will help them later on with their early literacy skills.