Modelling the correct formation of letter and numbers: Unit 10

You should be aware of the handwriting policy in your setting so that you use the agreed method for the formation of letters and numbers. This means that you and other adults should consistently form letters and numbers in the same way so that children will not be confused by different methods. You should also make this method clear to parents and carers so they are able to work with children in the same way at home, for example suing lower case rather than upper case letters.

Sequence children learn to write: When children are learning to write, they usually pass through different stages as they become more skilled at forming letters and developing ideas. In the earliest stages, they may focus on mark making and forming letters. This will develop into being able to talk about what they have written as they ascribe meaning to marks and gradually into being able to word-build through their phoneme and grapheme knowledge and write linger sentences.

Stimulating writing experiences: During the Foundation Stage, children should be provided with stimulating opportunities to develop their pre writing skills through activities that encourage them to strengthen and develop their muscle control. They should also be given a variety of media with which to make marks as they start to experiment with this.

Developing control: As their control develops, children at this stage should be given opportunities to write for a purpose through play activities, for example: Writing appointments in a diary in role play area. Keeping a shopping list. Although they may still be mark making, their writing will have a clear purpose and they will be able to tell you about it. They may also start to practice being able to write their own name. Lets look at page 400

Supporting left handed children: Children who are left handed may need more support than their right handed peers. You should make sure you are aware of left handed children and give them additional attention when they are carrying out activities such as starting mark making, developing their writing skills or using scissors.

Scribing for children: In the earlier stages of writing, children may sometimes practice writing through making anti-clockwise rotational marks on a page or learning that we start to write taller letters at the top. In some cases children may need a scribe; this is often the case for children with additional needs.

Task: You are required to devise a booklet that will explain how different experiences and activities are used to support children when learning to read and write. You must include at least three activities that are appropriate for children across the age range 2 years up to 5 years. You can complete supporting activity plans for these. You must also make reference to stimulating activities which provide a purpose for reading and writing, building on children interest, how to support left handed children and how to support children with additional learning needs. In your booklet you should also explain why it is important to understand the links between learning to read and learning to write.

Any questions?