Handwriting and Easel Art

One of the curriculum books that Matt and I decided to Order for Oliver this year belongs to the series Handwriting Without Tears.  My First School Book is designed specifically for Pre-K students and is preparing kids with early Readiness skills, Drawing, Alphabet Knowledge, Colors and Coloring, Pre-Writing, Writing, Counting and Number skills. 
I am highly recommending this book along with its teachers guide.  The guide itself is really an entire curriculum on its own filled with great lesson plans and other fun ideas to help foster a positive early writing experience.

Oliver already had a lot of the knowledge that is taught in these various sections of the book (colors, number recognition, and alphabet knowledge), but lacked the writing and motor skills. Already I am seeing improvements in his ability to hold a pencil correctly and use precise motions in his coloring and early writing. 

I was an elementary teacher before I was a mom, but I taught 4th and 5th grade.  I have never led a child through learning to read and write. I am finding the information in this book that pertains to the early stages of writing very useful.  There is a right and a wrong way to learn to write...and the learning happens in noticeably progressive stages.

Easel Art
One of the fun activities that the book suggests is designed to help increase a child's creativity while developing their fine motor skills. They suggest setting up an easel art station in your house, where kids can stand up to create their artwork.  The book states that when children stand up and work against gravity they build strength in their shoulders and arms.  

Ellie and Oliver have really enjoyed using the easel to create their drawings.  In fact, we don't ever draw at the table anymore! The curriculum also suggests that you play different types of music and demonstrate "expressive" art that can be drawn to different tempos.  

Our easel also doubles as a really fun place to grab a book and read!  This was another fun activity that takes time during our day and yet is productive and helpful to their growth!  The Sonlight website does promote Handwriting Without Tears as one of their Writing Curriculum's and you can go there to view samples of these books.