The recent push for early academic achievement has left many preschoolers and kindergartners dealing with an excessive amounts of worksheets. Children learn best through hands-on experiences. Worksheets should be used to reinforce concepts and skills. They should not be used as the primary teaching method. Getting back to developmentally appropriate practices makes learning to write fun, experiential and child-directed.

The suggested activities below will increase fine motor development and enhance writing skills. Alternate the activities to keep children eager and interested in participating. If you would still like to incorporate handwriting worksheets, I recommend doing so after the children have had ample non-worksheet practice.

17 Activities That Teach Writing Without Worksheets! Form letters using:

1. Paint brush and water on the sidewalk. (Works best on sunny days.)

2. Air pencils; Form letters in the air using a whole arm movement with index and middle fingers extended.

3. Chalk and black paper.

4. Wikki Stix to build letters; Make crayon rubbings.

5. Gel Boards, or hair gel sealed in zipper bags.

6. Shaving cream on tables.

7. Body movements.

8. Index and middle fingers to form letters on a partner's back, or floor.

9. Empty roll-on deodorant containers; Form letters on a partner's back.

10. Paint and paper.

11. White boards and marker.

12. Form play dough letters.

13. Form modeling clay letters.

14. Sandpaper letters; Feel and form the letters.

15. Scratch art; Use scratch art paper to write letters.

16. Magna Doodles

17. Aqua Doodles

These fun activities are an engaging way to begin young learners in the writing process. Keep those worksheets for a rainy day!

Julie Rebboah, founder and president of Lightning Bug Learning, has been in education since 1998. She has served as an elementary teacher, Reading Intervention Instructor, English Language Development Teacher and private tutor. She has turned her focus to developing highly effective materials and books to help children learn. Lightning Bug Learning materials can be found on the Lightning Bug Learning website and Amazon.com. http://www.lightningbuglearning.com/