Motivating kids to write can be a challenge. Especially for kids who are not fans of handwriting tasks. In order to encourage kids to participate in handwriting it is imperative to make the activities meaningful and motivating. These writing activities will make handwriting fun so that even reluctant writers can work on the skills they need to master handwriting.
One idea to encourage handwriting is to plan a scavenger hunt. The child can write out hints on slips of paper, plan the steps, and hide notes for family members or friends. Another fun idea is to look up jokes in a joke book and write them on index cards. Send them to a friend in the mail or give one to teacher or friend. Writing letters can be another motivating way to entice kids to write. Write letters to the child’s favorite celebrities. Look up addresses to the child’s favorite artist, musician, or sports hero. Kids can compose a letter and address the envelope. The child can also exchange letters with a pen pal. Kids can exchange letters with friends and relatives in other states or towns. Getting mail addressed to themselves is very exciting for a child. Writing lists can be a meaningful, purpose-driven activity for the child. Have the child write out a holiday or birthday gift wish list. Playing to the child’s interests is helpful. For example, if the child likes comics, making a comic book and writing in the thought bubbles would be a great activity.
Sometimes all it takes to motivate a child to write is making sensory/environmental changes. Try changing positions or locations. Sit on the floor and write on the chair seat. Lay on couch cushions and write on the floor on a clipboard. Go outside or make a fort to write in. Some children are motivated by music. Try playing music while the child writes if it is not a distraction. Using colorful pens or pencils can visually encourage the reluctant writer to participate. Not only is stimulation of the visual senses important but also the tactile senses as well. Sensory writing without a pencil and using the child’s fingers in sand or shaving cream is an excellent way to stimulate the tactile senses. Most importantly don’t forget to take breaks. Every few minutes take brain breaks for jumping jacks or wall push-ups.
The following are some commercially available products that can assist in motivating reluctant writers. The Crayola Dry Erase Activity Center and Crayola See Thru Light Designer are fun ways for kids to practice letter formation and writing. Rory’s Story Cubes, is a fun storytelling game that helps to inspire kids to write. Play the game and write out stories as a family. This sounds like a great Family Night activity. Make writing fun with Washable Window Chalk Markers by writing on windows, glass, and mirrors. Completing mazes are a great way to practice pencil control and line awareness in handwriting. Try a maze book with the reluctant writer. Mad Libs Games are a great way to practice handwriting on lines and in smaller spaces. Spirographs have many handwriting benefits including pen control, bilateral hand coordination, and proprioceptive feedback. Creating these fun art pieces are motivating and fun.