Open Discussion Forum

  • 1.  Writing letters and numbers

    Posted 10-02-2018 07:54 PM
    Hi everyone,

    At what age do you think it is developmentally appropriate for children to begin learning to write letters and numbers properly? 

    Thanks!

    Farah 


  • 2.  RE: Writing letters and numbers

    Posted 10-02-2018 09:15 PM
    Hello Farah!

    I'm working on a presentation for WAEYC and motor milestones is one of those very topics! As I'm sure you know: motor milestones are things that most children can do by a certain age.  Development is age-related not age-dependent. 

    In answer to your question:
    "Prints come capital letters" is a fine motor milestone for  age groups 4 to 5- yea-r olds.
    "Copies a triangle and traces a diamond; prints numbers 1 to 5 "  for ages 5 to 6- year- olds. 

    Your best sources fo rmore info: 
    1. CDC : https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/actearly/index.html
    Every time I go onto their website they've added content,  now have pictures and videos and have great one page handout for each age. I recommend to use these handouts with students' families as a way to open nonthreatening dialogue with parents, especially if you are noticing an issue with a child who you think is not tracking.  Teachers are almost always the first to notice.  Also this site you can order free books,  download the handouts for free and even free online training! ( no I do not work for the CDC ;)

    2. LD Online: http://www.ldonline.org/article/6045/
    Also lists all the age-appropriate milestones with slightly different skills identified. 

    Good luck!


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    Mary Lynn Hafner, PT, DPT
    marylynndpt.com

    Author of The Joy of Movement: Lesson plans and large motor activties for preschoolers
    Movement Teacher Sammamish YMCA
    My Neighborhood Physical Therapist, PLLC
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  • 3.  RE: Writing letters and numbers

    Posted 10-03-2018 02:22 PM
    Hi, Farah!
    KIndergarten is a good time for wtiting letters and numbers. Howeverr, if a chld is interested and asks how to write, do show him or her.
    As a kindergarten teacher I began with the lower case letters as they are more ftequent. I began with the letter "o" as it is a basic shape and both upper and lower case letters are the same. The I added "I" and "i". Capital "I" is the same as "l". Then "o" can be combined with the straight line of "i" to make "a", then "b", then "p", and then "q" with an added upward stroke. I spaced out tthe letter "d"  until several letters later as children frequently mix up "b" and "d". This is just a start. I left the slanted letters of :v", "w". "x'. "y", and "z" until the end, except "s" was the last letter as it is the hardest one to write. Good luck!
    Marie Kielty

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    Marie Kielty
    Early Childhood consultant
    Chicago, IL
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  • 4.  RE: Writing letters and numbers

    Posted 10-04-2018 01:23 AM
    Hi, 
    I think pre- kindergarten age 4-5 Is appropriate. Identification of letters and numbers,  tracing and writing on sand tray, sand paper numbers and letters can be used for the first quarter of the school year before introducing writing from the 2nd quarter of the school year.
    Good luck.

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    ELIZABETH OJEBOR
    Teacher assistant
    American International School of lagos
    Lagos LA
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  • 5.  RE: Writing letters and numbers

    Posted 10-04-2018 07:30 AM
    Hi Farah,
    It is important to remember that all children will begin conventional printing of letters and numbers when they are ready; rushing the process isn't advisable. However, this development can certainly be supported if children are surrounded by print and oral models. Seeing letters and numbers and hearing adults use them in conversations will allow children to view letters and numbers as a part of their environment, motivating them them to want to be a part of that world. Providing early opportunities to play around with writing from the scribbling stage on, with all kinds of paper and writing tools, sand, foam products, paint brushes, chalk, etc. will allow more conventional forms of print to emerge gradually, when they are ready.


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    Sherry Sanden
    Illinois State University
    Normal IL
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  • 6.  RE: Writing letters and numbers

    Posted 10-04-2018 09:06 AM
    I do not believe there is a magical or right way.  Children have a natural trajectory to their writing, beginning with many stages of scribbling.  Allow multiple opportunities using a variety of materials for children to practice their early writing skills and they will naturally develop.  When we try to teach children the right way we stifle their natural learning tendencies.  Backwards letters and mixing of upper and lower case letters are all part of the process and perfectly natural.  Model appropriate writing in the classroom and know that children will learn more through organic experiences than being "taught" how to write.

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    Lisa Vorpahl
    Chandler AZ
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  • 7.  RE: Writing letters and numbers

    Posted 10-04-2018 01:46 PM
    As everyone has said, I think it is important to approach writing letters and numbers in a developmentally appropriate manner. I find this is a skill that tends to fall into the "earlier is better" myth as I see many educators and parents introduce this task way before children are ready.

    I always look to occupational therapists for reliable information regarding handwriting and fine motor development. Below is a link to Mama OT's blog post about the developmental progression of handwriting skills.  Great information!
    http://mamaot.com/developmental-progression-of-handwriting-skills/

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    Stacy Benge, M.S.
    Presenter/ Child Development Specialist
    Texas
    www.StacyBenge.com
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  • 8.  RE: Writing letters and numbers

    Posted 10-05-2018 08:58 AM
    I love reading what everyone has said here. I know the topic is specific to writing letters and numbers,  I'd like to add that in a child centered, supportive writing classroom culture, children's drawing is their writing.

    All of the thinking together, talking and drawing are the motivators to encourage children to take risks to write and draw. When we send messages to children reminding them that their drawing IS their writing, then we help them have an appropriate entry point to formal writing. Handwriting is when children begin to write symbols that represent the parts of words or numbers, but "writing" really is language, and ideas and the representation of that on paper.

    From my experience, when we model that for children through a "think aloud" about our ideas and details in front of children and then we begin sketching out our ideas on paper -(thinking aloud- recalling language, visuals of the pumpkin patch or whatever our idea is and the talking through the details to add) we begin to inspire children to do the same about their own ideas. Yes, at first children may take our ideas and not be original, which is valuable and tells us this child needs some specific encouragement or scaffolding). However, if/when your consistency continues by you intentionally planning a safe space for child approximations and celebrate children where they are, they quickly feel empowered to branch out on their own. That writing culture grows and children begin to WANT to add some formal symbols such as letters or numbers to their work. This writing process leads them to authentic use of and internally motivated use of letters and numbers. Thinking aloud with children around drawing and writing is incredibly powerful.

    Writing is fueled by language. Language is represented by drawings and eventually by letters and words. When writing classroom cultures are set where play is at the center, drawing can be designed as the "playful" entry point to writing. It is child driven, process oriented, language based, individualized, exploratory and open to scaffolding as child shows readiness. Drawing is their writing!

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    Marti McCloud
    Professional Development Specialist and Coach
    Early Childhood Academy- NWCC

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