Ready Kids Occupational Therapy
Children, as young as those in childcare, are learning to write their names.
However, before a child learns to write letters, numbers and even their names, there is something that is more important for them to learn. And this is the prewriting shapes.
When we talk to parents and educators, most have never heard of prewriting shapes.
What are prewriting shapes?
Prewriting shapes are lines and shapes that form the foundation for letter and number writing. Without learning the pre-writing shapes first, it can become hard for children to write numbers and letters.
The prewriting shapes include vertical line, horizontal line, circle, cross, square, diagonal lines, X and triangle. These shapes are in developmental order. Depending on the age of the child, they may be able to draw some of these lines and shapes already.
Why are prewriting shapes important?
Prewriting shapes allow the child to practice lines in different angles e.g. vertical, horizontal and diagonal. These lines are needed for letters like capital A, E, H.
Drawing circles, square and triangles allow the child to practice connecting lines together. This is also important when writing letters like M, N and a.
Crosses and X allow children to learn to intersect like in the letter x.
Without learning the foundational lines and shapes, it can make letter and number writing trickier for your child. This can also lead to refusal of handwriting tasks because it is just too hard.
Strategies to practice prewriting shapes
There are a number of ways your child can practice prewriting shapes, even without a pencil!
Multisensory handwriting is a great way for your child to practice shapes, letters and numbers, without the use of a pencil. Here are some ideas:
- Drawing in shaving cream, gel, or flour
- Making shapes with pipe-cleaners
- Painting
- Sticking stickers to make these shapes
- Drawing on the concrete with chalk
- Using toothpicks or paddle pop sticks to make the shape
- Using playdough
- Drawing on the shower screen during shower time
- Drawing with a stick in the dirt
Drawing prewriting shapes is a foundational skill that is important for all children to learn before writing their letters and numbers. Try out some of the strategies above to make learning fun for your child!
