Page 8 - Module 2: Teachers Guide for Getting Ready for Writing PONY

Module 2: Getting Ready for Writing Teacher’s Guide.
Objective: Early mark making with two hands at the same time
Lesson Plan:
To be able to control both hands at the same time to make marks on paper.
1. Depending on the activity have enough crayons, paintbrushes or pencils, available so each child can have two each.
2. Demonstrate the movement to the children.
3. Hold a crayon in each hand.
4. Position the crayons above the paper.
5. Using the two hands at the same time scribble, dot, swirl or make any mark on the
paper.
6. Children can explore this type of mark making using different materials.
This movement needs to be included regularly and frequently across the week.
More to Learn:
1. In which hand does the child find it easier
to hold the crayon? Is there a high level of
asymmetry between the two hands? 2. As swapping between the hands is a normal developmental stage children
should experience, you should not notice too much difference between the two hands in children up to 4 years of age.
3. If there is an observed hand that is showing more difficulty, encourage the control in this hand, so it equals that of the other hand.
Support:
Young children may need hand over hand support to ‘feel’ what the movement of the hands is. They should then be allowed to ‘have a go’ on their own.
Young children may find this activity easier on a vertical surface, so they are able to stand whilst doing the activity.
© 2016. Shelley Birkett-Eyles. Hemispheres Think Write Limited
Motor Skills