Open Discussion Forum

Is it feasible to have toddlers practice writing with worksheets?

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Elizabeth Willis
Owner
3 Sistas family homecare
Riverdale GA
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Patricia Jack
Boulder City NV
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 05-03-2019 09:56 AM
From: Elizabeth Willis
Subject: Handwriting for toddlers

Is it feasible to have toddlers practice writing with worksheets?

------------------------------
Elizabeth Willis
Owner
3 Sistas family homecare
Riverdale GA
------------------------------

We can broaden our concept of literacy beyond handwriting by asking what should young children be doing with their hands? I would like to see those hands in the mud, in the clay, in the legos, using paint, using tools to cook and bake and prepare food, to do wood working, to build with blocks - these are all foundational literacy experiences that will promote deep intellectual curiosity.  Holding a pencil can wait.

 When I offered these suggestions to the OT who was teaching the workshop for hand writing without tears she told me that if we don't teach young children how to hold a pencil properly at age 3, they will develop poor habits that are nearly impossible to correct. She also told me she had never heard of the concept of emergent literacy.  She showed us videos of didactic classroom instruction where groups of preschoolers sat and were instructed how to draw a person (Matt man).

Ive seen lots of great preschool teachers adopting the materials and integrating them into playful approaches, but i believe it is wise to know the origin of the pedagogy we use  and also to examine the marketing strategies that infiltrate, shape, and influence our profession.  

I only offer my experience as a diverse perspective- with respect for reflective dialogue and knowing for sure it runs contrary to widely accepted and practiced approaches in our profession.

------------------------------
Carol Murray
Bard Nursery School
Red Hook NY
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 05-04-2019 12:43 AM
From: Patricia Jack
Subject: Handwriting for toddlers

NO! NO, a million times no! Toddlers practice pre-writing skills by fingerpainting with paint or shaving cream.  By drawing in sand or mud.  By TRACING on sand paper letters or salt letters.  Absolutely NO worksheets.

------------------------------
Patricia Jack
Boulder City NV

Original Message:
Sent: 05-03-2019 09:56 AM
From: Elizabeth Willis
Subject: Handwriting for toddlers

Is it feasible to have toddlers practice writing with worksheets?

------------------------------
Elizabeth Willis
Owner
3 Sistas family homecare
Riverdale GA
------------------------------

Carol,
A thoughtful response. I agree with you. Sometimes teachers and directors get swayed by marketing,and packaged programs, and "cute" ideas on Pinterest. With the best interests of trying to "teach" children or "prepare" them for school, or from pressure from parents, some forget about what is appropriate for young children. If we remember how children develop gross and fine motor skills, we know that children develop from core to extremities, meaning they need lots of experiences with large movement and gross movement with their hands before they are ready to be "taught" fine motor writing. I also believe that worksheets are a "no, no, never, never" in preschool. I must however disagree with your final statement, your ideas do NOT run contrary to what is widely accepted and practiced approaches in our field. In my experience and observations over many years, in hundreds of classrooms, in varied states as well as internationally, I have found that many many teachers do believe in DAP, and don't worry about trying to hurry the natural development of children.

------------------------------
Holly Seplocha
Westfield NJ
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 05-04-2019 07:38 AM
From: Carol Murray
Subject: Handwriting for toddlers

We can broaden our concept of literacy beyond handwriting by asking what should young children be doing with their hands? I would like to see those hands in the mud, in the clay, in the legos, using paint, using tools to cook and bake and prepare food, to do wood working, to build with blocks - these are all foundational literacy experiences that will promote deep intellectual curiosity.  Holding a pencil can wait.

 When I offered these suggestions to the OT who was teaching the workshop for hand writing without tears she told me that if we don't teach young children how to hold a pencil properly at age 3, they will develop poor habits that are nearly impossible to correct. She also told me she had never heard of the concept of emergent literacy.  She showed us videos of didactic classroom instruction where groups of preschoolers sat and were instructed how to draw a person (Matt man).

Ive seen lots of great preschool teachers adopting the materials and integrating them into playful approaches, but i believe it is wise to know the origin of the pedagogy we use  and also to examine the marketing strategies that infiltrate, shape, and influence our profession.

I only offer my experience as a diverse perspective- with respect for reflective dialogue and knowing for sure it runs contrary to widely accepted and practiced approaches in our profession.

------------------------------
Carol Murray
Bard Nursery School
Red Hook NY

Original Message:
Sent: 05-04-2019 12:43 AM
From: Patricia Jack
Subject: Handwriting for toddlers

NO! NO, a million times no! Toddlers practice pre-writing skills by fingerpainting with paint or shaving cream.  By drawing in sand or mud.  By TRACING on sand paper letters or salt letters.  Absolutely NO worksheets.

------------------------------
Patricia Jack
Boulder City NV

Original Message:
Sent: 05-03-2019 09:56 AM
From: Elizabeth Willis
Subject: Handwriting for toddlers

Is it feasible to have toddlers practice writing with worksheets?

------------------------------
Elizabeth Willis
Owner
3 Sistas family homecare
Riverdale GA
------------------------------

Holly,
thank you so much for your smart caring words and for the reassurance about DAP and child focused curriculums.  Handwriting Without Tears is being marketed so heavily in NY that i have the need to share my views which feel contrary right now.  I hope more and more early childhood teachers can find the confidence, like you said, not to "worry about hurrying the natural development of children." 

With gratitude for the important and complicated work everyone is doing in a society where we are being bombarded with advice and pressure (often conflicting) on all sides.  I am WITH you all in forging a path that seeks to really SEE children and not pathologize childhood.

------------------------------
Carol Murray
Bard Nursery School
Red Hook NY
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 05-05-2019 09:59 AM
From: Holly Seplocha
Subject: Handwriting for toddlers

Carol,
A thoughtful response. I agree with you. Sometimes teachers and directors get swayed by marketing,and packaged programs, and "cute" ideas on Pinterest. With the best interests of trying to "teach" children or "prepare" them for school, or from pressure from parents, some forget about what is appropriate for young children. If we remember how children develop gross and fine motor skills, we know that children develop from core to extremities, meaning they need lots of experiences with large movement and gross movement with their hands before they are ready to be "taught" fine motor writing. I also believe that worksheets are a "no, no, never, never" in preschool. I must however disagree with your final statement, your ideas do NOT run contrary to what is widely accepted and practiced approaches in our field. In my experience and observations over many years, in hundreds of classrooms, in varied states as well as internationally, I have found that many many teachers do believe in DAP, and don't worry about trying to hurry the natural development of children.

------------------------------
Holly Seplocha
Westfield NJ

Original Message:
Sent: 05-04-2019 07:38 AM
From: Carol Murray
Subject: Handwriting for toddlers

We can broaden our concept of literacy beyond handwriting by asking what should young children be doing with their hands? I would like to see those hands in the mud, in the clay, in the legos, using paint, using tools to cook and bake and prepare food, to do wood working, to build with blocks - these are all foundational literacy experiences that will promote deep intellectual curiosity.  Holding a pencil can wait.

 When I offered these suggestions to the OT who was teaching the workshop for hand writing without tears she told me that if we don't teach young children how to hold a pencil properly at age 3, they will develop poor habits that are nearly impossible to correct. She also told me she had never heard of the concept of emergent literacy.  She showed us videos of didactic classroom instruction where groups of preschoolers sat and were instructed how to draw a person (Matt man).

Ive seen lots of great preschool teachers adopting the materials and integrating them into playful approaches, but i believe it is wise to know the origin of the pedagogy we use  and also to examine the marketing strategies that infiltrate, shape, and influence our profession.

I only offer my experience as a diverse perspective- with respect for reflective dialogue and knowing for sure it runs contrary to widely accepted and practiced approaches in our profession.

------------------------------
Carol Murray
Bard Nursery School
Red Hook NY

Original Message:
Sent: 05-04-2019 12:43 AM
From: Patricia Jack
Subject: Handwriting for toddlers

NO! NO, a million times no! Toddlers practice pre-writing skills by fingerpainting with paint or shaving cream.  By drawing in sand or mud.  By TRACING on sand paper letters or salt letters.  Absolutely NO worksheets.

------------------------------
Patricia Jack
Boulder City NV

Original Message:
Sent: 05-03-2019 09:56 AM
From: Elizabeth Willis
Subject: Handwriting for toddlers

Is it feasible to have toddlers practice writing with worksheets?

------------------------------
Elizabeth Willis
Owner
3 Sistas family homecare
Riverdale GA
------------------------------

Thank you for the valuable input. I had scouted some facilities in area and made note of one that did that. I would think that was too early for that age group

------------------------------
Elizabeth Willis
Owner
3 Sistas family homecare
Riverdale GA
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 05-04-2019 12:43 AM
From: Patricia Jack
Subject: Handwriting for toddlers

NO! NO, a million times no! Toddlers practice pre-writing skills by fingerpainting with paint or shaving cream.  By drawing in sand or mud.  By TRACING on sand paper letters or salt letters.  Absolutely NO worksheets.

------------------------------
Patricia Jack
Boulder City NV

Original Message:
Sent: 05-03-2019 09:56 AM
From: Elizabeth Willis
Subject: Handwriting for toddlers

Is it feasible to have toddlers practice writing with worksheets?

------------------------------
Elizabeth Willis
Owner
3 Sistas family homecare
Riverdale GA
------------------------------

I have tracing boards of prewriting strokes and a sand tray for them to practice creating them. I also have a table with markers, crayons and colored pencils for them to scribble at will everyday. By the end of the school year some of my older children, the ones who have turned 3 earlier in the school year, do start to try to replicate the lines on chalk boards, magnolia-doodles and trace lines on paper using different color markers or pencils once their grasp naturally matures.

------------------------------
Lynda Coan
Montessori Infant/Toddler Teacher
Wilmington Montessori School
Bear DE
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 05-03-2019 09:56 AM
From: Elizabeth Willis
Subject: Handwriting for toddlers

Is it feasible to have toddlers practice writing with worksheets?

------------------------------
Elizabeth Willis
Owner
3 Sistas family homecare
Riverdale GA
------------------------------

I believe it is developmentally inappropriate for toddlers to practice writing with worksheets.  However, toddlers should be able to explore writing on paper and other materials using chubby crayons, markers as well as paint.  They can even write in the sand or on whipped cream with their fingers.  Early exposure to writing experiences and teaching them the appropriate use of writing utensils will prepare them for later writing experiences.

------------------------------
Gwendolyn Harris
Program Director
It Takes a Village Child Care Services, Inc
Chicago IL
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 05-03-2019 09:56 AM
From: Elizabeth Willis
Subject: Handwriting for toddlers

Is it feasible to have toddlers practice writing with worksheets?

------------------------------
Elizabeth Willis
Owner
3 Sistas family homecare
Riverdale GA
------------------------------

NO! Toddlers will pick up writing implements and they may scribble or use them in other ways with paper. If we want them to write later when they have the muscle control to do so, we need to give them experiences where their fine motor strength is built, such as working with clay, play dough, finger painting, etc. They also should have practice with scissors, another skill that takes eye-hand coordination.

As with everything else, there will be some children whose fine motor development is advanced and they are ready for writing. Those children will write letters but let's not send a message to 2 year olds that they have learning problems by insisting on handwriting instruction at 2.

ABSOLUTELY NO HANDWRITING INSTRUCTION!


------------------------------
Nora Krieger
Associate Professor Emerita/ Chair NJEEPRE
Bloomfield College/ New Jersey Educators Exploring the Practices of Reggio Emilia
Highland Park NJ
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 05-04-2019 08:37 AM
From: Gwendolyn Harris
Subject: Handwriting for toddlers

I believe it is developmentally inappropriate for toddlers to practice writing with worksheets.  However, toddlers should be able to explore writing on paper and other materials using chubby crayons, markers as well as paint.  They can even write in the sand or on whipped cream with their fingers.  Early exposure to writing experiences and teaching them the appropriate use of writing utensils will prepare them for later writing experiences.

------------------------------
Gwendolyn Harris
Program Director
It Takes a Village Child Care Services, Inc
Chicago IL

Original Message:
Sent: 05-03-2019 09:56 AM
From: Elizabeth Willis
Subject: Handwriting for toddlers

Is it feasible to have toddlers practice writing with worksheets?

------------------------------
Elizabeth Willis
Owner
3 Sistas family homecare
Riverdale GA
------------------------------

NO. Not DAP, let them play with holding different sized crayon and markers but scribbling is their only outcome expectation.

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Audrey Kelly
Teacher/Asst. Director

MA
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 05-03-2019 09:56 AM
From: Elizabeth Willis
Subject: Handwriting for toddlers

Is it feasible to have toddlers practice writing with worksheets?

------------------------------
Elizabeth Willis
Owner
3 Sistas family homecare
Riverdale GA
------------------------------

Original Message------

Is it feasible to have toddlers practice writing with worksheets?

------------------------------
Elizabeth Willis
Owner
3 Sistas family homecare
Riverdale GA
------------------------------

I don't like the idea of worksheets for little ones.  I like to keep a copy of the attachment  below with me when I am looking at children's work.  We do drawings where I ask them to write a story about the drawing, we have an author/illustrator studio where they can do anything that deals with drawing and writing, I make sure to have a lot of time built into the day for them to write and draw.  We have to get those little muscles strong before they can really write well and all this helps with that.  I guess my answer is no I personally don't think worksheets are good for the little ones. 

Great question!  Have an amazing day!

------------------------------
Amy Brown
Owner/Director
Children's Academy of Motivation, Education & Love
Katy TX
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 05-03-2019 09:56 AM
From: Elizabeth Willis
Subject: Handwriting for toddlers

Is it feasible to have toddlers practice writing with worksheets?

------------------------------
Elizabeth Willis
Owner
3 Sistas family homecare
Riverdale GA
------------------------------

Glad to see the agreement about no worksheets.  Amy El-Rai Brown, thanks you for the attachment of the charts.  I hope that it helps some early educators relax when their 2-3-4 year olds don't 'write' in the ways they might expect them to.  I also took delight in the name your center.

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Aren Stone
Child Development Specialist
The Early Years Project
Cambridge, MA
she/her
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 05-04-2019 01:10 PM
From: Amy Brown
Subject: Handwriting for toddlers

I don't like the idea of worksheets for little ones.  I like to keep a copy of the attachment  below with me when I am looking at children's work.  We do drawings where I ask them to write a story about the drawing, we have an author/illustrator studio where they can do anything that deals with drawing and writing, I make sure to have a lot of time built into the day for them to write and draw.  We have to get those little muscles strong before they can really write well and all this helps with that.  I guess my answer is no I personally don't think worksheets are good for the little ones.

Great question!  Have an amazing day!

------------------------------
Amy Brown
Owner/Director
Children's Academy of Motivation, Education & Love
Katy TX

Original Message:
Sent: 05-03-2019 09:56 AM
From: Elizabeth Willis
Subject: Handwriting for toddlers

Is it feasible to have toddlers practice writing with worksheets?

------------------------------
Elizabeth Willis
Owner
3 Sistas family homecare
Riverdale GA
------------------------------

Where did you get this fantastic pdf??

------------------------------
Leah Ellis
Ellis Family Childcare
Palmdale CA
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 05-04-2019 01:10 PM
From: Amy Brown
Subject: Handwriting for toddlers

I don't like the idea of worksheets for little ones.  I like to keep a copy of the attachment  below with me when I am looking at children's work.  We do drawings where I ask them to write a story about the drawing, we have an author/illustrator studio where they can do anything that deals with drawing and writing, I make sure to have a lot of time built into the day for them to write and draw.  We have to get those little muscles strong before they can really write well and all this helps with that.  I guess my answer is no I personally don't think worksheets are good for the little ones.

Great question!  Have an amazing day!

------------------------------
Amy Brown
Owner/Director
Children's Academy of Motivation, Education & Love
Katy TX

Original Message:
Sent: 05-03-2019 09:56 AM
From: Elizabeth Willis
Subject: Handwriting for toddlers

Is it feasible to have toddlers practice writing with worksheets?

------------------------------
Elizabeth Willis
Owner
3 Sistas family homecare
Riverdale GA
------------------------------

Thanks so much. I like your idea. I think we have to keep DAP when educating toddlers. It's important to set them up for success by being creative and intentional in helping our children to grow.

------------------------------
Elizabeth Willis
Owner
3 Sistas family homecare
Riverdale GA
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 05-06-2019 05:10 PM
From: Leah Ellis
Subject: Handwriting for toddlers

Where did you get this fantastic pdf??

------------------------------
Leah Ellis
Ellis Family Childcare
Palmdale CA

Original Message:
Sent: 05-04-2019 01:10 PM
From: Amy Brown
Subject: Handwriting for toddlers

I don't like the idea of worksheets for little ones.  I like to keep a copy of the attachment  below with me when I am looking at children's work.  We do drawings where I ask them to write a story about the drawing, we have an author/illustrator studio where they can do anything that deals with drawing and writing, I make sure to have a lot of time built into the day for them to write and draw.  We have to get those little muscles strong before they can really write well and all this helps with that.  I guess my answer is no I personally don't think worksheets are good for the little ones.

Great question!  Have an amazing day!

------------------------------
Amy Brown
Owner/Director
Children's Academy of Motivation, Education & Love
Katy TX

Original Message:
Sent: 05-03-2019 09:56 AM
From: Elizabeth Willis
Subject: Handwriting for toddlers

Is it feasible to have toddlers practice writing with worksheets?

------------------------------
Elizabeth Willis
Owner
3 Sistas family homecare
Riverdale GA
------------------------------

Worksheets are not developmentally appropriate nor necessary in early childhood.  Worksheets do not teach writing, they limit the child, while practice with writing tools and allowing the many stages of scribbling and drawing will help them.

------------------------------
Lisa Vorpahl
Chandler AZ
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 05-03-2019 09:56 AM
From: Elizabeth Willis
Subject: Handwriting for toddlers

Is it feasible to have toddlers practice writing with worksheets?

------------------------------
Elizabeth Willis
Owner
3 Sistas family homecare
Riverdale GA
------------------------------