Updated: Nov 23, 2021
Children in reception will be learning to:
Develop their small motor skills so that they can use a range of tools competently, safely and confidently e.g. pencils for drawing and writing. (Physical Development)
Form lower-case and capital letters correctly. (Literacy)
Black paper and chalk (or you could write on the pavement)
Draw a large s with chalk on a piece of black paper or on the pavement.
Move the playdough snail slowly down the trail starting from the top. Repeat a couple of times. Then invite your child to move the snail along the trail.
Give them chalk or a white chalk pen and let them create their own snail trails. They do not need to be able to make the s letter shape at this stage. Let them explore making marks. Can they make the trail twist and turn?
Using broken pieces of chalk encourages children to grip using their thumb, index finger and middle finger rather than using a whole hand grasp which can be seen in the photo on the left hand side. This helps to develop the tripod grip which is the most efficient way to hold a pencil.
The tripod grip is a comfortable way to hold a pencil or pen. It gives the child good control. The pen is pinched between the ball of the thumb and the forefinger, supported by the middle finger with the other fingers tucked into the hand.
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