Question about 3 year olds learning to write

I went to visit a new daycare/Preschool center for my DC. I was in the 3 year old room observing and I noticed they weren't learning to write using pencils. They were learning to write their letters with their fingers (paint, shaving cream, etc.) When I asked them why they aren't learning to write with a pencil/crayon they said that 3 year olds don't have the dexterity to hold the pencil correctly and rather than let them learn incorrectly and reteach they wait until 4.

My DD is in a program now that isn't working for her for other reasons, but she is learning to write. She can almost write her name, some letters, etc. She does hold the pencil wrong and I've tried to correct her, but she can't do it.


SO is it "right" to wait until they are 4?

Re: Question about 3 year olds learning to write

Re: Question about 3 year olds learning to write

Posted by headoverheels

Posted by Charly
She does hold the pencil wrong and I've tried to correct her, but she can't do it.


SO is it "right" to wait until they are 4?

I think you answered your own question Her old program and you both tried to teach her and she couldn't do it. I think the new program's method is great, they are still learning the shapes of the letters as well as the difference between uppercase and lowercase.

Re: Question about 3 year olds learning to write

As an OT who works with preschoolers, we never use pencils with them when they are learning pre-writing or writing skills. Yes you can work on their grip on writing tools (gave you some suggestions below), but I wouldnt use a pencil to teach strokes, lines, letters, or shapes that early. In my school (and me personally) they start using pencil more when they are 4.5-5 yrs and really kindergarden ready. I do it in all different sensory modalitlies too, shaving cream, finger paint, rolling out playdough or putty into the shape/letter, crayons, markers, etc. This way they are getting the tactile feedback in their finger, which also sends signals to the brain that says, oh so thats how you make a diagonal line-I feel it now. Also it gets very boring doing it pencils esp with little guys, so doing it in different ways makes it fun and interesting for them So yes they are learning it/it is being taught.
ETA: Some ideas to improve her grip on writing tools (crayons/makers/pencils)- have her do 1) playdough-pinch it, squeeze it, make little balls, 2) use easy clothespins, 3) picking up small items like cheerios or small beads using a pincer grasp, 4) using tweezers to pick up small items

Message edited 2/4/2010 9:29:26 AM.

Re: Question about 3 year olds learning to write

I applaud your new daycare. They know what their doing. Too often daycares are run by people who know little a about child development and think they can force children to learn things that they are not ready for....and worse don't realize the damage they are doing!

For the record, because I am an educator I chose a program that would develop my son's dexterity, crtical thinking, story telling ability and creativity. He never practiced handwriting, other than writing his name. He is now in kindergarten and admittedly struggled with writing for about two months. Now he has very neat print. These are skills that can be learned at appropriate times rather quickly when all the prerequisites are there. If you have not been to highschool, most people agree that it is not appropriate to do college age work. Yet, so many people think they should force 3 yr olds into kindergarten work. And for what? So they can be missing all the prerequisites, but be neat? Or so they can lose self confidence while learning to hate school? Its just sad.

Message edited 2/4/2010 12:59:26 PM.

Re: Question about 3 year olds learning to write

From what I understand that is actually something they cannot master until they are around 5. They just dont have the dexterity or hand-eye coordination yet.

Re: Question about 3 year olds learning to write

Posted by twicethefun

I applaud your new daycare. They know what their doing. Too often daycares are run by people who know little a about child development and think they can force children to learn things that they are not ready for....and worse don't realize the damage they are doing!

Yet, so many people think they should force 3 yr olds into kindergarten work. And for what? So they can be missing all the prerequisites, but be neat? Or so they can lose self confidence while learning to hate school? Its just sad.

Re: Question about 3 year olds learning to write

Speaking as an elementary school teacher.........that method is an EXCELLENT way for young children to learn how to write. I actually used the shaving cream method when I was teaching first grade for some phonics and math work. It's fun, the kids get into it, and they learn.

A 3 year old does NOT need to know how to hold a pencil correctly and I commend them for not forcing the issue with children so young. It is great they are learning their letters in a fun and inventive way without the stress and demands that so many people place upon young kids today. They will have plenty of years to learn to hold a pencil.......for now, their only job is to be a toddler and have fun!

Re: Question about 3 year olds learning to write

thank you for your responses I am in NO rush for her to learn to write, nor do I expect her to master it. I just didn't know which center was "right" in their philosophy. I didn't want her to not learn something if she should be KWIM? I'm not an expert in the area, which is why I figured I'd throw it out there. I'm happy to hear the center I'm strongly considering is doing the right thing. I really appreciate the feedback

Re: Question about 3 year olds learning to write

Personally, I think it depends on the child's readiness. My daughter is using a pencil beautifully, but she is not the norm. A good preschool, imo, will differentiate their approach to the child and not lump them into one category because of their age. Which is why I love Ava's school so much. They not only know about child development, they're extremely in tune with each child's ability and level. So, I would say it sounds about right, but I would want to know what they were going to do for my child should she be ready for the next step.

Re: Question about 3 year olds learning to write

My DD is in Montessori and work on writing and holding the pencil the right way last year when she started at 3. Her writing has come a long way in a year.
I don't think that 3 is too young to teach them the right way to hold crayons and pencils.