3 Ways To Incorporate Handwriting Techniques Into Your Phonics Lessons

 Did you know that a systematic approach to including multisensory techniques is proven to increase students' understanding of phonics patterns?  Did you further know that handwriting instruction IS a multisensory technique?

Truth

Here are three ways you can start incorporating handwriting techniques TODAY in your instruction.  Most importantly, these techniques are sustainable and can be used routinely to ensure success.  We need to make handwriting letters a priority.

First......This may not seem like a multisensory element at first, but there is nothing MORE multisensory than the cognisant forming of letters coupled with sounds.  Mindfully forming letters is based in brain research related to crossing midline.  It takes an awareness to form letters with correct directionality, size, shape, and attend to the space on the lines.  Poor handwriting can be a tell tale sign of a reading disability.  Research has shown that the larger early learners make their letter the more it will imprint on their brains, in other words engaging the gross motor.  

One. House Paper

Have a simple and systematic way to teach and reinforce letter formation.  House paper is a great visual cue (attic, main floor, and basement letters).  Using house paper itself is a multisensory technique, but it creates another structure to support proper letter formation.  

Simply, you can introduce each new sound with a quick handwriting lesson.  You can practice writing and making the sound to help reinforce it with students.  When modeling, name the areas on the house paper to keep reinforcing directionality and placement.  

Plain house paper can be placed inside a sheet protector to allow for repeated use with dry erase markers.  These can become part of students' tool kits for ease.  Instead of a traditional white board, using house paper (or whatever handwriting paper you use) in a sheet protector enables students to practice proper letter formation during any simple task.

Two. Crayons 

When you introduce a new sound and are going to practice formation, let students practice in crayon on paper.  This creates two opportunities for practice.  One is when they are actually forming the letters with the crayon on the paper.  The second is by using their index finger to trace over the crayon.  The thicker the crayon the better for the tactile sensation, but there is no need to overboard.  The crayon feels raised from the paper and creates a tactile sensation that makes a connection with the brain.  The directionality still matters!  

Three. Sky Writing

Sky Writing can be done very easily!  Simply have the students point to the grapheme (sound represented in print) and have then trace it with their index finger in the air while saying the sound.  It is important that students use the same arm as the write with (right handed students point with their right hand, etc.).  It is also important that they use their index finger again.  This may seem pedantic, but the consistency is key.  

That's it!!!

1. House Paper

2. Writing with Crayons

3. Sky Writing

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Try these and let me know how it goes!  I'd love to hear the ways that YOU incorporate handwriting and other multisensory techniques in your instruction.

Thank You,

Kristin