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Observation Checklist for Hand Preference
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Getting Ready for Writing (Pre-writing patterns) Factsheet
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Am I ready to handwrite? A3 Poster
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The Development of Appropriate Pencil Grip and Drawing Skills – Ages 1 – 6
These milestone and information sheets identify the age-related milestones for hand function, pencil grip (grasp) and drawing skills in children aged 1 to 6 years. They present images of good and NOT good pencil grip and also outline hints for making a good pencil grip easier.
When children first begin to draw using crayons, pencils or brushes they use a dagger grasp. In a natural developmental sequence, they will hold the
Tips for Helping Left-Handed Writers
Year Level: Early Years, Foundation, Year 1 & 2, Years 3 to 6
Approximately ten percent of students are left-handed – slightly more boys than girls. If these 10 simple strategies are put in place, then there is no need for left-handed children to be disadvantaged when writing.
- Arrange classroom seating so that left-handed students always sit on the left of right-handed children. This will avoid writing hand ‘elbow bumps’. It is also important to group left-handed students together during handwriting lessons.
- Remind students to maintain a good posture with their feet flat on the floor, bottom back in chair, and helper hand on the desk.
- The writing page should be moved to the left of the student’s midline and slanted correctly – tilt the page (left corner up) keeping the page parallel to the forearm.
- The right hand should be used to stabilise the paper at all times, and the right index finger should be used for finger spacing when required.
- Correct tripod pencil grip should be encouraged at all times to allow for good control of the pencil. Providing a visual prompt can help. Ensure the pencil rests back in the web space (at the join of the thumb and index finger) – not pointing straight up. Writing on a vertical surface helps to encourage a functional pencil grasp.
- The pencil should be held 2cm above the tip so that writing is more visible and smudging of work is avoided. Provide pencils that are not slippery, so that the fingers do not slide down towards the tip.
- Softer lead pencils are ideal as they do not require too much friction on the page for lefthanders, who are pushing instead of pulling the pencil from left to right across the page.
- To avoid developing a hooked wrist, the writing hand should always be below the writing line, with the left arm kept close to the body.
- Place a green dot for ‘go’ at the left margin to remind students to write from left to right. This can also assist with correcting letter and word reversals.
- Ensure all left-handed students have access to left-handed scissors because cutting with scissors builds strength in the writing hand.
See our Copyright Terms of Use at https://pld-literacy.org/help-pages/copyright-policy/.
Books: PLD’s books may only be used by the Authorised Purchaser, and the Authorised Purchaser’s students, and only in conjunction with classes taken by the Authorised Purchaser. PLD’s books may be photocopied up to 10% per year for use only by the Authorised Purchaser. The Authorised Purchaser is defined as the original purchaser of the PLD materials.
eBooks: PLD’s eBooks may only be used by the Authorised Purchaser, and the Authorised Purchaser’s students, and only in conjunction with classes taken by the Authorised Purchaser. The Authorised Purchaser is defined as the original purchaser of the PLD eBook. Under the ‘Statutory Educational License’ the authorised purchaser can:
- View the eBook as a whole or in part
- Copy the eBook to their personal drive or locally on their device
- Display the eBook on your Interactive Whiteboard, projector or smart TV, for the purpose of teaching the students in their own classroom
- Photocopy or print up to 10% of the eBook per year, for use with the students in their classroom(s).
For copyright purposes, every page of the PLD eBooks will be stamped with the name & email address provided by the purchaser at the time of order. PLD ebooks belong solely to the purchaser and may not be shared with colleagues, parents or anyone else. PLD eBooks must not be uploaded to school servers, intranets or online platforms. Schools wishing to license PLD eBooks can contact us HERE.
School Licences: A School Licence is a multi-user subscription to a PLD resource, such as a book or program, in a digital and printable format that is accessible via the ‘My Subscription’ section of the PLD website. A School Licence is valid for 12 months from the date of purchase and can be used by an unlimited number of teachers within a school. When bought under a School Licence:
- Resources are accessible in digital, flipbook format, which teachers can access from anywhere, at any time, on any device via the PLD website.
- The resources can be used by any amount of teachers in that school.
- Multiple teachers can access the resources simultaneously.
- The resource is available to print, subject to the standard 10% per year limitation as per Australian Copyright law.
- Updated versions of resources will be automatically accessible to users with a current licence for free, ensuring all users have access to the latest versions of resources.
- Resources are stored centrally and accessed via a secure login account on the PLD website. Thus, all currently subscription resources are accessible in the one convenient place, making resources extremely easy to find. Moreso, the school license offering eradicates the frustration of lost or misplaced resources and programs which happens often with hardback books.
Additional information can be accessed via the following links:
Books: https://support.pld-literacy.org/en-au/article/plds-printed-electronic-materials-how-can-they-be-used-can-i-share-them-with-a-friendcolleague-9lk4y/
eBooks: https://support.pld-literacy.org/en-au/article/the-pld-ebooks-how-can-they-be-used-what-is-the-copyright-policy-ptfya8/
PLD’s Copyright Policy: https://support.pld-literacy.org/en-au/article/copyright-and-terms-of-use-of-pld-literacy-15tkcer/
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Letter Formation for Little People – Foundation Font – Step 2
A junior primary approach to instructing letter formation in FOUNDATION FONT.
Handwriting is fundamental to literacy. Once children have mastered the essential pre-writing patterns, they are ready to start learning correct letter formation. Getting body posture right, whether in a standing or seated position, is essential prior to commencing any drawing or writing activity. This posture should also be monitored throughout the activity to ensure a child has sufficient core strength to maintain their position for the length of the task. With a stable body young children are more likely to progress to using an efficient pencil grasp, which will allow their hand to produce the movements necessary for good letter formation and handwriting. The most recent research shows that using a ‘cognitive’ approach (saying cue words out loud) incorporated with writing the actual letter, is the most effective way to learn and retain correct letter formation. In Letter Formation for Little People – Step 2, each letter shape, with corresponding verbal cue words, is presented and learned in the same PLD groupings as the letter sounds. This will reinforce the acquisition of both of these vital skills simultaneously. This early childhood approach, with both standing and seated activities, presents activities in four sequential levels for each letter. This developmental approach allows for differentiation between children in the classroom, with the scope to cater for a wide range of abilities. It is important that the core skills required for correct letter formation are a strong focus in the early years of schooling, to avoid the development of ‘bad habits’, such as an inefficient pencil grip, letter reversals, or incorrect direction of letters, which may affect academic progress in future years. Letter formation and subsequently, fluent handwriting, must become an automatic skill so that the child can process their ideas as they write, without having to think about the construction of each letter they produce. Letter Formation for Little People provides a research-based program for introducing children to the early stages of handwriting, providing them with the fundamental skills they need to achieve literacy goals. Developed by an Occupational Therapist, this easy-to-use resource contains an early childhood approach to developing positive letter formation skills. Designed by an Occupational Therapist. Provides clear guidelines on getting ready for writing, correct pencil grip and posture. Provides multiple opportunities to rehearse letter recognition and formation skills. Provides verbal cues for each lower case letter. Also includes upper case and number formation prompts and verbal cues. Provides new verbal cues to use when introducing line placement of letters. Foundation Font Step 2 has been created for use in the Foundation Year – Pre-primary (WA), Prep. (QLD, VIC, TAS), Reception (SA), Transition (SA). Click HERE to view Step 1 for the Early Years – Kindergarten (WA, QLD, SA, TAS) and Preschool (ACT, NT, NSW, VIC). This resource is mentioned in the Foundation Teaching Sequence Manual on page 7, 8, 9, 10 & 14. The programs within the range include: Letter Formation for Little People – Step 1 (for the Early Years) Letter Formation for Little People – Step 2 (for Foundation) Letter Formation for Little People – Step 3 (Year 1)
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Preparing Children for Handwriting – Step 1
The range of motor skills that support handwriting in Early Years students.
Handwriting is fundamental to literacy. Once children have mastered the essential pre-writing patterns, they are ready to start learning correct letter formation. Getting body posture right, whether in a standing or seated position, is essential prior to commencing any drawing or writing activity. This posture should also be monitored throughout the activity to ensure a child has sufficient core strength to maintain their position for the length of the task. With a stable body young children are more likely to progress to using an efficient pencil grasp, which will allow their hand to produce the movements necessary for good letter formation and handwriting. The most recent research shows that using a ‘cognitive’ approach (saying cue words out loud) incorporated with writing the actual letter, is the most effective way to learn and retain correct letter formation. In Letter Formation for Little People – Step 2, each letter shape, with corresponding verbal cue words, is presented and learned in the same PLD groupings as the letter sounds. This will reinforce the acquisition of both of these vital skills simultaneously. This early childhood approach, with both standing and seated activities, presents activities in four sequential levels for each letter. This developmental approach allows for differentiation between children in the classroom, with the scope to cater for a wide range of abilities. It is important that the core skills required for correct letter formation are a strong focus in the early years of schooling, to avoid the development of ‘bad habits’, such as an inefficient pencil grip, letter reversals, or incorrect direction of letters, which may affect academic progress in future years. Letter formation and subsequently, fluent handwriting, must become an automatic skill so that the child can process their ideas as they write, without having to think about the construction of each letter they produce. Letter Formation for Little People provides a research-based program for introducing children to the early stages of handwriting, providing them with the fundamental skills they need to achieve literacy goals. Developed by an Occupational Therapist, this easy-to-use resource contains an early childhood approach to developing positive letter formation skills. Designed by an Occupational Therapist. Provides clear guidelines on getting ready for writing, correct pencil grip and posture. Provides multiple opportunities to rehearse letter recognition and formation skills. Provides verbal cues for each lower case letter. Also includes upper case and number formation prompts and verbal cues. Provides new verbal cues to use when introducing line placement of letters. Foundation Font Step 2 has been created for use in the Foundation Year – Pre-primary (WA), Prep. (QLD, VIC, TAS), Reception (SA), Transition (SA). Click HERE to view Step 1 for the Early Years – Kindergarten (WA, QLD, SA, TAS) and Preschool (ACT, NT, NSW, VIC). This resource is mentioned in the Foundation Teaching Sequence Manual on page 7, 8, 9, 10 & 14. The programs within the range include: Letter Formation for Little People – Step 1 (for the Early Years) Letter Formation for Little People – Step 2 (for Foundation) Letter Formation for Little People – Step 3 (Year 1)
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Letter Formation for Little People – Foundation Font – Step 1
An early childhood approach to instructing letter formation in FOUNDATION FONT.
Handwriting is fundamental to literacy. Once children have mastered the essential pre-writing patterns, they are ready to start learning correct letter formation. Getting body posture right, whether in a standing or seated position, is essential prior to commencing any drawing or writing activity. This posture should also be monitored throughout the activity to ensure a child has sufficient core strength to maintain their position for the length of the task. With a stable body young children are more likely to progress to using an efficient pencil grasp, which will allow their hand to produce the movements necessary for good letter formation and handwriting. The most recent research shows that using a ‘cognitive’ approach (saying cue words out loud) incorporated with writing the actual letter, is the most effective way to learn and retain correct letter formation. In Letter Formation for Little People – Step 2, each letter shape, with corresponding verbal cue words, is presented and learned in the same PLD groupings as the letter sounds. This will reinforce the acquisition of both of these vital skills simultaneously. This early childhood approach, with both standing and seated activities, presents activities in four sequential levels for each letter. This developmental approach allows for differentiation between children in the classroom, with the scope to cater for a wide range of abilities. It is important that the core skills required for correct letter formation are a strong focus in the early years of schooling, to avoid the development of ‘bad habits’, such as an inefficient pencil grip, letter reversals, or incorrect direction of letters, which may affect academic progress in future years. Letter formation and subsequently, fluent handwriting, must become an automatic skill so that the child can process their ideas as they write, without having to think about the construction of each letter they produce. Letter Formation for Little People provides a research-based program for introducing children to the early stages of handwriting, providing them with the fundamental skills they need to achieve literacy goals. Developed by an Occupational Therapist, this easy-to-use resource contains an early childhood approach to developing positive letter formation skills. Designed by an Occupational Therapist. Provides clear guidelines on getting ready for writing, correct pencil grip and posture. Provides multiple opportunities to rehearse letter recognition and formation skills. Provides verbal cues for each lower case letter. Also includes upper case and number formation prompts and verbal cues. Provides new verbal cues to use when introducing line placement of letters. Foundation Font Step 2 has been created for use in the Foundation Year – Pre-primary (WA), Prep. (QLD, VIC, TAS), Reception (SA), Transition (SA). Click HERE to view Step 1 for the Early Years – Kindergarten (WA, QLD, SA, TAS) and Preschool (ACT, NT, NSW, VIC). This resource is mentioned in the Foundation Teaching Sequence Manual on page 7, 8, 9, 10 & 14. The programs within the range include: Letter Formation for Little People – Step 1 (for the Early Years) Letter Formation for Little People – Step 2 (for Foundation) Letter Formation for Little People – Step 3 (Year 1)
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Preparing Children for Handwriting – Step 2
The range of motor skills that support handwriting.
Handwriting is fundamental to literacy. Once children have mastered the essential pre-writing patterns, they are ready to start learning correct letter formation. Getting body posture right, whether in a standing or seated position, is essential prior to commencing any drawing or writing activity. This posture should also be monitored throughout the activity to ensure a child has sufficient core strength to maintain their position for the length of the task. With a stable body young children are more likely to progress to using an efficient pencil grasp, which will allow their hand to produce the movements necessary for good letter formation and handwriting. The most recent research shows that using a ‘cognitive’ approach (saying cue words out loud) incorporated with writing the actual letter, is the most effective way to learn and retain correct letter formation. In Letter Formation for Little People – Step 2, each letter shape, with corresponding verbal cue words, is presented and learned in the same PLD groupings as the letter sounds. This will reinforce the acquisition of both of these vital skills simultaneously. This early childhood approach, with both standing and seated activities, presents activities in four sequential levels for each letter. This developmental approach allows for differentiation between children in the classroom, with the scope to cater for a wide range of abilities. It is important that the core skills required for correct letter formation are a strong focus in the early years of schooling, to avoid the development of ‘bad habits’, such as an inefficient pencil grip, letter reversals, or incorrect direction of letters, which may affect academic progress in future years. Letter formation and subsequently, fluent handwriting, must become an automatic skill so that the child can process their ideas as they write, without having to think about the construction of each letter they produce. Letter Formation for Little People provides a research-based program for introducing children to the early stages of handwriting, providing them with the fundamental skills they need to achieve literacy goals. Developed by an Occupational Therapist, this easy-to-use resource contains an early childhood approach to developing positive letter formation skills. Designed by an Occupational Therapist. Provides clear guidelines on getting ready for writing, correct pencil grip and posture. Provides multiple opportunities to rehearse letter recognition and formation skills. Provides verbal cues for each lower case letter. Also includes upper case and number formation prompts and verbal cues. Provides new verbal cues to use when introducing line placement of letters. Foundation Font Step 2 has been created for use in the Foundation Year – Pre-primary (WA), Prep. (QLD, VIC, TAS), Reception (SA), Transition (SA). Click HERE to view Step 1 for the Early Years – Kindergarten (WA, QLD, SA, TAS) and Preschool (ACT, NT, NSW, VIC). This resource is mentioned in the Foundation Teaching Sequence Manual on page 7, 8, 9, 10 & 14. The programs within the range include: Letter Formation for Little People – Step 1 (for the Early Years) Letter Formation for Little People – Step 2 (for Foundation) Letter Formation for Little People – Step 3 (Year 1)
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