Preschoolers should be able to choose from a variety of different writing materials. These can include traditional writing tools such as pencils, markers, chalk or crayons or be more creative items such as shaving cream, finger paints or even sand to draw in. Young children are still developing crucial fine-motor skills and coordination abilities and may benefit from thick writing utensils, such as chunky crayons or thick markers. Along with an array of writing implements, adults should give preschoolers several different types of papers or surfaces to write on. Try traditional lined paper, construction paper, card stock, oak tag, printer paper or drawing paper. Use a basic white, cream or other light colors for writing activities.
Before a child can write actual letters and words, he or she first experiments with making scribbles and lines. Given the diverse age of preschoolers, often falling between three to five years of age, some young students may have little to no experience with writing. Teachers can support emergent writing by encouraging them to scribble and make lines on a piece of paper. This first step in the writing process helps to build motor and coordination skills while introducing the child to the concept of making marks.
The letters of the alphabet are often the first experience that a young child has with writing. Whether the child is starting with 'A' or the first letter of his or her name, learning how to write the alphabet is a significant step in emergent literacy skills. Letter tracing activities can help the preschooler to further refine fine motor abilities, develop recall and recognition abilities and better understand the English language. Young learners who have little knowledge of writing may want to start with simple tracing activities. Buy specialized preschool tracing cards or make your own by writing capital letters (one per card) on index cards with markers. Laminate the cards and invite the children to trace over the laminated letter with a washable marker. Wipe the card clean and reuse it to reinforce the writing experience.
Older preschoolers can benefit in many ways from invented or phonic spelling activities. Invented spelling can help the emergent writer to improve handwriting abilities, better grasp the English language and contribute to early reading skills. Teachers can try a variety of invented spelling activities in the preschool classroom. These should be integrated within the greater framework of the curriculum and may include theme-based activities, such as writing words about class lessons. Another way to add invented spelling activities to the preschooler's day is to provide journal time. Give each student a sketch or notebook and ask them to draw pictures. Ask the students to write at least one word (using invented spelling) on each page to describe what the picture displays.