Penmanship

Developing fine motor skills in early childhood education is an important skill for fundamental future tasks such as writing, drawing, independent habits and coordination that build self-esteem and confidence.

Fine motor skills involve the use of the small muscles that control the hand, fingers, and thumb. 

At BigByte Junior activities are provided that are both fun and interactive to strengthen these small muscles in their hands. 　Students from our PreK level (age 3-4), Level K (age 4-5) and Level 1 (age 5-6) are encouraged and challenged throughout the day to complete self-care tasks unaided. 

Opportunities to develop their pre-writing skills and improve their early penmanship skills need extra assistance and support depending on each student’s unique needs.

Our experienced and passionate educators have used these occupational therapy techniques to support their students. 

CHALLENGE 1：

Pencil and crayon grip

The first, most important step in pre-writing pencil control is transitioning from a fist-grip to a finger-grip, but can be tricky to teach. 

SOLUTION: Use a simple hairband!

CHALLENGE 2：

Pencil pressure

Once students begin writing, very often they unconsciously apply too much pressure to the paper, which may also slow their handwriting down.
Ms. Carli, our passionate Level 1 educator from South Africa, is seen using this solution currently to help support a student who applies a lot of pressure to her writing.

SOLUTION: Use a mechanical pencil! 

CHALLENGE 3：

Incorrectly formed letters

With so many different fonts to see and choose from every day, sometimes students get creative with the way they choose to write particular letters.
SOLUTION: Fun, interactive letter formation drills!

Ms. Carli is the queen of fun and also gives constant encouragement and praise to her students for everything they do correctly.
Never underestimate the power of a smile and a sincere compliment!