Pre-Writers Club: Foam Hearts

Physical Development - Moving & Handling (40-60+ months):

Uses one handed tools and equipment.

What you need:

Cut hearts shapes out of foam. Use water to stick them to a window, shower screen or the side of the bath. I set up an area with a towel, water, brushes and the foam hearts. She got the hang of dipping the sponges and brushes into the water and rubbing them onto the window then pressing the heart shapes onto the window.

Working on a vertical surface, such as a window or a tiled wall, makes it easier for children to see what they are doing because their hands are right in front of them. This will help them to co-ordinate their hand and eye movements. It also helps to strengthen their arms and wrists which will help them to hold a pencil.

Core Strength and Posture – Children will be strengthening their core muscles by kneeling or standing when working at a vertical surface. They can’t slump or lean against a chair which means they use their core and back muscles to maintain an upright posture which will prepare them for writing on a horizontal surface.

If you have a go at this activity and share any photos on social media I would love to see them. Please tag @miniwritersclub and let me know how you get on.

Anna