I begin handwriting with a very special pencil! It is quite a big deal. I wait until October before formally introducing the pencil. I tell the children that this is a special pencil that has a special way to hold it – the tripod grip! I teach the proper pencil grip. I do use a triangular pencil that helps the children succeed. If they are using the proper grip – I put a “sprinkle” of fairy dust on their hand! Here's what I use to make the pencil:
I purchased a glitter glue that I painted on the pencil and let dry. Next I added three to four feathers per pencil. The easiest way to attach the feathers is with duct tape (it comes in fancy designs). I do not worry about the eraser at this point.
A quick and easy way to make your own fairy dust solution is to sprinkle a little glitter into about a tablespoon of hand lotion. I love vanilla. I have a stash of little plastic containers I keep my glitter mixture in. To use – simply dip your finger into the lotion and gently sweep on hands that are writing in the tripod grip!
Hi, nice blog….I am looking forward to following. I run a Montessori and Waldorf inspired home preschool and am always looking for ways to add a little Waldorf magic to our days….these would make a great Friday Handwork project for us…thank you for the idea. Love the idea of sparles and hand cream for a little magic potion my own daughter is just starting to learn to write and will love this!
Blessings on your day,
Sharon
It has been remarkable to just add that extra bit of delight to the handwriting process. I feel that 5 and 6 year olds are not necessarily ready for handwriting but that is my task as a public school teacher. So I have searched for ways to take them into this motor process that supports the future of their handwriting and honors their developmental stage. I love Montessori’s traditions as well. Thank you Sharon for your support!
This post reminds me of a long time ago when in school we used to have a subject (with proper lectures – although I don’t remember about the exams: P) called “handwriting improvement”. It sounds quite a funny but helpful course now 🙂
While I love the idea of fairy dust, I am concerned that a child who is not developmentally ready to use a tripod grip could feel devistated if their friends were given fairy dust and they were not.
Great point, Jeanine! Of course those children who struggle or are not developmentally ready will get a sprinkle, too! Progress and determination are certainly worth fairy dust!