A Tool That Helps with Handwriting

I am always looking for ways to help my children with writing. I love “Handwriting Without Tears”, but recently I have been looking for an independent practice tool that can be used in the car or waiting during appointments.  A tool not to teach, but reinforce taught skills.

After looking for a month, I came across the coolest handwriting tool for upper case letters, lower case letters, and numbers. It is called “Kid O Magnatab 0 to 9” and “Kid O Magnatab A to Z”. The tool ranges from $16.00 to $25.00. You can buy the boards in print or in cursive.

Each set comes with a board that contains letters or numbers with metal beads and a magnetic pen. The boards have arrows to guide the child through stokes. As the child follows the arrows with their pen, the metal beads pop up and create the letter or number. This is a great way to teach a child kinesthetically how to recognize letters and numbers, if this is a struggle. It also teaches cause and effect.

Besides learning the strokes to make letters and numbers, this tool is a great way for learning how to hold and control a writing utensil. Even though I wish the pencil was triangular to encourage better grip (something my son struggles with), we are getting more comfortable with trying to grip the round pencil correctly.

Last, I love that this tool incorporates fine motor coordination. Fine motor coordination involves using the small muscles in the body to enable movement.  Holding a pen and drawing numbers and letters encourages fine motor strength and coordination that will carry over to other fine motor tasks such as picking up items, using electronic devices (such as computers), turning book pages during reading, and taking care of self care tasks (such as buttoning, zipping, and tying).

 

I would highly recommend this tool for any child learning or struggling to learn how to write their letters and numbers. My only advice is to try to attach the pen with tape and a string. The pen is easily lost.