Pre and Early Stages of Handwriting Development
Pre Writing Development
Pre writing skills are important foundation skills that children need to have developed before they are able to write. There are many processes of writing such as holding a pencil, performing the motor patterns required to draw, write and colour.
A key component of developing pre-writing skills is the ability to draw pre writing shapes. These shapes are made up of pencil strokes that make up most number and letter formation. Most early developmental drawings are made up of these pencil strokes and shapes. These are developed and mastered in a sequential order that is specific to an age level. These pre-writing shapes are: | — O + / □ \ X Δ
Mat Man
When re-creating Mat Man, most of the pre writing strokes and shapes are referenced. The activity also relies heavily on placement of shapes (body pieces) in order to accurately create Mat Man. This skill is transferred into a child’s writing when we observe how they create letters (starting points) and the sizing and the placement of letters and words. Mat Man is an activity that can help warm up the motor and visual processes needed to begin writing.
For younger students, Mat Man also supports the in development of important skills such as: body awareness, fine motor and counting and sequencing, sharing and impulse control.