Handwriting Starts Before the Pencil

Handwriting Readiness: Why It Starts Before Kids Hold a Pencil

When we think about children learning to write, we often imagine them gripping a pencil and carefully forming letters. But in reality, handwriting readiness starts much earlier—and it involves far more than just picking up a writing tool.

At Together Thriving, we know that strong foundations in physical, sensory, and emotional development make writing easier, more confident, and more enjoyable for children. Let’s explore what really builds strong handwriting skills.

Why Handwriting Starts Long Before the Pencil

Before children can write comfortably, they need a whole range of early skills, including:

• Core and Shoulder Strength: Sitting upright for long periods depends on strong postural muscles.

• Hand and Finger Strength: Good grip and control come from playing and building hand muscles.

• Visual-Motor Coordination: Children must learn to connect what they see with how their hands move.

• Sensory Processing: Experiencing textures, pressure, and movement helps children understand how to move their bodies in space.

Without these underlying skills, handwriting can feel exhausting and frustrating instead of empowering.

Practical Ways to Build Handwriting Readiness at Home

You can encourage these essential skills through everyday play:

• Floor Play: Crawling, climbing, and even lying on tummies helps build core strength.

• Big Movements First: Drawing on vertical surfaces like chalkboards or easels strengthens shoulders.

• Playdough, Tweezers, and Peg Games: These build finger and hand strength in a fun way.

• Action Songs and Finger Rhymes: Songs like “Incy Wincy Spider” support fine motor control and coordination.

• Messy Sensory Play: Tracing in sand, shaving cream, or rice builds sensory-motor awareness without pressure.

Further Learning

Keep an eye out for our upcoming online handwriting readiness resource, designed for parents and educators to make learning fun and functional at home.

P.S. If you found this helpful, stay tuned! We’ve got a practical, play-based resource coming soon to support you in building the real foundations for writing success.

With warmth and care,

Kirsty + The Together Thriving Team