How to Teach Your Child to Write the Alphabet

Writing - unlike kicking and jumping - is not a natural skill. Kids have to be taught how to write. Below are some things you can do to help your child learn to write at home.

1. Setup a writing table - with proper supplies (pencils, erasers, Sharpeners, journal etc). Set aside some time everyday as 'writing time'.

2. Teach the child learn how to get the correct grip with a pencil first. To add a little color- I started with colored pencils for my daughter. Let the child free draw/scribble first week or so.

3. Teach the child how to draw basic lines first. Easiest ways to do is put dots on a page and ask the child to join the dots. Make games with lines going up and down.

4. Once the child is comfortable drawing straight lines - move on to slanting lines.. Taking help of dots again. Make squares and teach how to make crosses between by joining corners.

5.After the lines/strokes comes the curves - a round like an 'O', a curve on left like a 'C'

6.Once the child is comfortable with basic lines and curves, its time to start writing the letters.

Divide the letter into groups- based on simplicity/shape. Always start with and I - its the simplest letter.

A recommended grouping : IT LH EF CG

OQ BD PR MN

XY VW AK JU SZ

7. Don't try teaching more than a letter a day. Try to make each letter funny like T is an I with a flat Hat, D is an I with a BIG Tummy, P is an I with half a tummy, Try writing letters in air with fingers or toothpicks.

Don't get caught up in having to learn the capital letter with the lowercase or learn to write them in order. Also since practice is important - you can print out sheets with letter lightly printed - kids can trace over it for practice. Tracing a letter from a correct model is helpful for correct model is helpful for children's practice.(Marie Clay's Principle: Some letters, words, and word groups must be imitated or copied in a slow and laborious way to establish the first units of printing behavior). Provide your child with opportunities to practice in a fun such as by using phonics based games or toys like Leapfrog phonics.

8. While teaching any letter- its important to teach kids how a letter sounds like. This is phonics based teaching means they are learning letters and sounds and how they come together to make words. (Marie Clay's Principle Child comprehends that words are constructed out of letters that stand for fuller forms).

While doing all of the above , the most import thing is to provide support and encouragement to the child. Learning is difficult and writing initially can be very hard on the little fingers. Praise the child for successes and reward in a good way. Remember - reading and writing like any skill take lots of practice, support the child along every step in the process.