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How to Hold a Pen to Learn to Write at Age 2

Most young children can hold a crayon or a marker just fine. They don’t need to be propped in any special way to be able to write. When it comes to teaching your child to write, all they need is time and opportunity. There are a few simple tips and tricks that you can use to get your toddler writing in no time! Let’s get started.

Start Simple

There is a wide variety of writing utensils and tools in the market today, many of which are designed for adults. This can make it challenging for young children to learn to write with precision. Instead of shelling out a large sum of cash for specialized equipment, it’s best to start simple. There are many benefits to writing with a regular pen or pencil, such as simple availability, no batteries required, and many more.

If your toddler is already experiencing success with pen and paper, continue using them as much as possible. Introducing a new tool or instrument will confuse your child, and it could take time to get accustomed to using anything other than their favorite writing utensil.

Create Shapes With Your Hands

Another great way to teach your toddler to write is by having them draw pictures of what they want. If they are comfortable drawing with their hands, this will allow them to grasp the concept of forming letters and words with the correct shapes. Simply grab a sheet of paper and encourage your child to draw whatever they want. Although this may seem like a simple task, it can be a great way for toddlers to improve their hand-eye coordination as well as develop their artistic side. Once you have a few sketches or drawings done, you can begin teaching your child the alphabet and how to write the letters accordingly. In some instances, you may want to take a break from teaching letters and simply let your child explore the world around them through art.

Teach The Alphabet

If your kid already shows an interest in drawing, teaching them the alphabet may seem like a walk in the park. Simply sit with them while showing them the letters and have them spell out words. This can also be a good opportunity to practice their letters. Some toddlers may even enjoy the chance to practice their letters and sounds or explore different ways of saying the same thing. It is important to ensure that your child learns to write the alphabet correctly. Incorrectly written letters can lead to trouble when trying to spell words later on.

If your toddler struggles with any letters or sounds, you can always use online Phonics tools and apps to work on their literacy skills. There are a variety of games and activities available through a few clicks of a mouse, and it’s an easy option for kids who are already distracted by screens.

Practice Makes Perfect

No one is an expert at everything, especially when they are young. Like anything else, practice makes perfect, and this is especially important when it comes to learning to write. Set aside some time every day to practice writing. Even if it’s only for a few minutes, you can assist your young child in honing their skills by demonstrating how letters and words should be formed. If your child practices every day, even at the slightest hint of a letter, they will soon develop the ability to write the word easily. Start by writing the word practice on your sheets of paper and then gradually work your way up to longer sentences and words. This will help ensure that your child is practicing correctly and allowing them to develop their hand-eye coordination as well as their literacy skills.

Use The Back Of The Letter

When teaching your kid to write, a lot of emphasis is put on the front of the letter. However, the back of the letter can be used to great effect as well. If you look at words like read, red, and rid, for example, you will see that the tail end of each word forms a perfect ‘r’. This can help kids develop their spelling skills while also utilizing the entire alphabet. When your child learns to write, they should be doing so using both hands and holding the pen in a natural position. Do not force them to use certain hands over another, as this can cause strain and injury. Your kid may also get frustrated when they are unable to hold the pen in the correct way due to physical limitations. This will then lead to poor handwriting and hurt their self-esteem when they are unable to write something correctly. Always help your child when they are struggling with something, and this will assist in ensuring that they continue being positive about their writing skills regardless of whether or not they can produce perfect letters.

There are many simple ways that you can help your toddler develop their literacy skills. Whether you choose to draw pictures, teach the alphabet, or simply let them explore the world around them through art and writing, you will undoubtedly be helping them build a solid foundation for later in life. With a little bit of patience and practice, you can ensure that your child grows up to be a proud, proficient writer!