In order to write our alphabet, children need to learn 8 basic strokes and have control of a pencil to enable them to write letters.

Vertical Lines - When a child can make these, he/she is ready to write:

l, i

Horizonatal Lines - When a child can can make these, he/she is ready to write:

T, t, F, E, H, I

Up and Down Slanted Lines - When a child can make these, he/she is ready to write:

V, v, W, w, N, M, Z, z, X, x, A, Y, y, K, k

Circles - When a child can make these, he/she is ready to write:

O, o, Q

Left ear curves ( C ) - When a child can make these, he/she is ready to write:

C, c, G, g, a, d, e, q

Right ear curves - When a child can make these, he/she is ready to write:

D, P, p, B, b, R, S, s

Smiling curves - When a child can make these, he/she is ready to write:

U, u, J, j

Frowning curves - When a child can make these, he/she is ready to write:

n, m, h, r, f

Children need a large variety of experiences to strengthen fine motor skills and to learn how to print. Finger painting, modeling with playdoh, opening and closing clothes pins, coloring, using scissors, peg boards, small Legos, and beading are all wonderful activities that will build small muscle strength and coordination.