4 Year Olds Writing

[Blackcat31]

For writing numbers this is what I do....
straight line 1 is fun
Around the block on the choo choo track is 2222-2222 (try to sound like a train)
Around the tree and around the tree, this is how we make a three
Down and over and down some more, this is how we make a 4
Down and around, put a hat on the top and look who we found....a fat old 5!
Around the hoop, the 6 forms a loop
Across the sky and down from heaven....this is how we make a 7
Make an S but don't you wait....come on up and make an 8
A circle and a line, this is how we make a 9
1 and 0 are very best friends, they go everywhere together and their name is 10


For letters....first I hold their hand lightly to write letters......or to do writing prompts. As they learn, I start talking them through the letters....like this.....
e: go straight across then run around the bush
c: make a 1/2 soccer ball
r: make a line down like the rain then make a rainbow


I just make it up as i go.....but whatever I make up.....I say it the same way every time.

Here are some poems for making letters

http://www.littlegiraffes.com/abc_letterformationpoems.html

[MG&Lsmom]

Handwriting without Tears also has some free printables on their website. Enough that you could probably do most of the program for free.

http://www.hwtears.com/parents/parentextras

[SilverSabre25]

You could also look into the Handwriting Without Tears curriculum and materials. Handwriting Without Tears

haha, oops, cross-posted with MG&LsMom!

Also, check on Craigslist for Handwriting Without Tears materials--it's a popular homeschool curriculum. I checked and found a couple sets of materials for $20 and for $10. One for $50.

[Crystal]

I don't use worksheets/tracers, but I do know some children need it. We practice Emergent Writing.

This is a great book that really explains the process of how children learn to write. I highly recommend it:

http://www.amazon.com/Writing-Preschool-Learning-Orchestrate-Collection/dp/0872076911/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1295625396&sr=1-1

[MarinaVanessa]

I put together a couple of 3 ring binders with the letters of the alphabet on a piece of paper that I just printed out on the computer, slip the paper into a clear page protector and give them dry erase markers to trace the letter.

I do this too except no binder. I work about 10 minutes a day 3 days a week for some alphabet activities but I don't really emphasize it. I explaion to the parents that I run a developmental program vs a scholastic one.