Let's learn to write

If your child is between 4 and 5 years old, perhaps the long-awaited time has come: learning to read and write! After first steps and first words, this is one of the most important stages in his development.

To cope with it in the best possible way, it is essential to have patience, a notebook (preferably BM) and colored pencils or markers.

How to teach children to write: 5 basic rules

1. Start with capital print

In school, the first approach to writing is with capital print. This method is considered the easiest to reproduce and recognize, since the letters are separated from each other. To facilitate learning, you can propose games in which the child copies letters or simple words.

2. Teach the correct grip

It is essential that the child learns early on how to hold the pen correctly. The correct grip involves the thumb and index finger supporting the pencil, while the middle finger acts as a support. The other fingers should be relaxed. A correct grip promotes smoother and less tiring writing.

3. Correct writing direction right away

Children often tend to write letters in the wrong direction. Correcting this error early is essential to avoid difficulties in the future. To help, you can draw directional arrows or use guided exercises with rulers and squares.

4. Maintain proper posture

Body position affects writing. Eyes should remain at the proper distance from the paper, and the child should not lie down on the table. Feet should be firmly placed on the floor; if necessary, use a booster seat to ensure comfortable and stable sitting.

5. Use appropriate notebooks

1-cm squared notebooks are ideal for early approaches to writing. They offer large spaces that allow the child to practice without difficulty. Many Italian schools adopt this format to facilitate learning letters and numbers.

Practice constantly: the key to learning to write

To make the process more natural, it is important to practice every day. Even a few minutes a day can make a difference! Here are some suggestions:

• Write together: you, the parent, can trace the letters or numbers on a page, repeating them aloud while the child watches. Then give him or her a turn to try.
• Avoid using smartphones and tablets in the early stages to encourage manual dexterity.
• Read often: reading helps them recognize letters more easily and develop visual memory.
• Remember: each child has his own pace. You should not force it, but make it participate with stimulating and fun activities.

Educentus. Used by many teachers, this notebook features colorful lines and margins to guide the child in writing:

• Blue margin to indicate where to start writing.
• Red margin to indicate where to stop.
• Highlighted spaces to better organize letters and numbers.

Thanks to these color references, the child learns to write clearly, neatly and independently. A great tool to accompany him on this new adventure!