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Observation Checklist for Hand Preference
Help your students establish a dominant hand.
Research suggests that the majority of children show a hand preference by 3 years of age, however, some children actually establish dominance as late as
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Getting Ready for Writing (Pre-writing patterns) Factsheet
A downloadable factsheet which identifies the six basic (Pre-writing) patterns that form the basis of all alphabet letters.
Throughout the early years, children are encouraged to participate in a range of fine motor activities that develop: their manipulative skills a dominant hand the
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Am I ready to handwrite? A3 Poster
Am I ready to handwrite is a poster providing solid introduction to the beginning of handwriting
Ideal for student and teacher reference, this poster is designed to provide explicit instruction on the following: Letter formation and size Letter placement Reminders of
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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
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.
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This download outlines how PLD programs link to the ACARA National Curriculum year level content descriptions.
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PLD’s Alignment to the Australian National Curriculum
How does PLD align to the Australian National Curriculum?
In the attached download we have outlined where PLD applies to each year level, the content code and descriptor and the related PLD programs.
Copyright: PLD printed materials belong solely to the authorised purchaser and may not be shared with colleagues, parents or anyone else. PLD printed materials can not be uploaded to school servers, intranets or online platforms. A quick FAQ on how you can and can't use PLD printed materials can be found HERE.
For full terms and conditions, see our Copyright Terms of Use.
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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 Letter Formation for Little People – Step 2 Letter Formation for Little People – Step 3 (Year 1 – Coming Soon)
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Letter Formation for Little People – Foundation Font – Step...
From $65.00$65.00 incl. GST 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 Letter Formation for Little People – Step 2 Letter Formation for Little People – Step 3 (Year 1 – Coming Soon)
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Preparing children for handwriting – Step 2
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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 Letter Formation for Little People – Step 2 Letter Formation for Little People – Step 3 (Year 1 – Coming Soon)
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Preparing Children for Handwriting – Step 1
From $65.00$65.00 incl. GST 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 Letter Formation for Little People – Step 2 Letter Formation for Little People – Step 3 (Year 1 – Coming Soon)
