| Most people do not realize that good handwriting is a | | | | can try at home: crawling through tunnels, |
| direct result from good upper body strength. Crawling | | | | wheelbarrow walking (child is walking on hands and |
| is a natural milestone that children need to learn. | | | | adult is holding his/her feet), climbing ladders, lifting |
| Crawling develops power in the shoulders, arms, wrists, | | | | heavy objects, kneading dough (play dough), monkey |
| and hands. Have you heard or personally ever stated | | | | bar play, or moving a scooter board by laying on his |
| "My child skipped crawling and went straight to | | | | her stomach and pushing through their arms (also can |
| walking!" While walking skills may be advancing quickly, | | | | be done up or down ramps). |
| it is also a good indication that the child will have poor | | | | For those of you who have older children, you may |
| fine motor skills. | | | | know handwriting lessons are not always the most |
| Poor fine motor skills will impact a child's ability to | | | | fun. Prior to having your child participate in a fine motor |
| fasten buttons, snaps, zippers, pick up small objects, | | | | activity, have him/her perform one of the above upper |
| and especially to have legible handwriting. As a child | | | | body strength activities. These activities will stimulate |
| crawls, his/her grasp will start to mature, allowing for | | | | the muscles and encourage good postural control |
| more precise movements later on in development. | | | | during a handwriting or fine motor activity. Also, it may |
| Thus, good posture and arm strength are critical | | | | increase your child's attention and focus! Do not have |
| factors in improving your child's handwriting. They are | | | | your child sit for more than 15-20 minutes, especially if |
| also beneficial areas to work on from birth to 5 years, | | | | he/she is under 5 years old. Eventually increase his/her |
| during a child's prewriting years. | | | | time in small increments until you reach the desired |
| What are good activities that can promote upper body | | | | practice time. It is important for you to provide a happy |
| strength? The following are some techniques that you | | | | handwriting experience! Have fun! |