When young children are learning the proper letter (and number) formation in handwriting, which, in essense is memorizing the motor patterns, there are a few strategies I have used that utilize visuo-spatial short term memory.
1. instructing students to "air write" when introducing the letter
2. repeated writing of letter on chalkboards using colored chalk. After a pre-determined amount of time, students will rotate around a table, to repeat the process using a different color. Monitoring is necessary to ensure proper starting point.
3. tracing the letter in sand or salt
4. with partners, students use their finger make the letter or number on their partner's back
5. using scented markers, students trace the letter in various different scents, creating a rainbow scented effect.
The repetition of these activities help students memorize the proper way to form letter and numbers.
2 comments:
This is the best example of Dr. Howard Gardners principals of Multiple intelligences. I love the way you used this lesson to instruct your first graders.
I also love this repeatted action for practice and will tell the older kids in my class to write their spelling or vocab words in the air. They may think its silly at first but they do have fun with it. They also love using the small white boards and writing on them, they make a game out of it at indoor recess.
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