Mrs T's Musings

If you feel like your students—and maybe even you—are getting a bit tired of the same handwriting routine, you’re not alone! Handwriting can be one of those less engaging subject areas. But there are ways to make it more interesting and even fun! So, here are five fresh and interactive handwriting activity ideas, along with ready-made worksheets, to help you shake up your handwriting practice routine. 

Mix It Up with Whiteboard Handwriting

Switching from pencil and paper to a whiteboard can be a simple yet powerful way to bring a new level of excitement to handwriting practice. While we still want students to be practising writing with a pencil on paper, whiteboard writing is an easy way to get them practising letter formation without the added pressure of it being permanent. This can help them become more comfortable with forming letters or having a go at writing words before transferring that letter or word over to paper and pencil.  

Make Handwriting Meaningful with Journals

Sometimes giving kids a purpose for their writing is just the kind of motivation they need. So, if you’re finding that it’s a challenge to get your students started with handwriting, encourage them to journal about their day. You can even give them a fancy notebook or have them make their own booklets to make it extra special. Just make sure they’re still using lined paper to keep practising those important handwriting skills.

Spread Joy With Handwritten Cards

Take purposeful writing a step further by having students create cards for family, friends or classmates. Again, this both gives them a purpose for their writing and gives them a different material to write on. You can even let them use pens or markers for extra fun. 

Master the Basics by Tracing Lines

Before asking students to trace out letters and words, start with tracing lines and shapes. Begin with simple, consistent lines that are straight or that have a repetitive wavy pattern. Then, you can progress to more complex lines. 

Below is an example of what more complex tracing lines might look like. These have been purposely designed to mimic the formations students need to make when writing letters. This set is available in my TpT store, so if you’re looking for some ready-made line tracing pages, click here for the Line Tracing Practice Pages Set.

Build Confidence with Handwriting Sentence Worksheets 

Once students are comfortable with lines and letters, it’s time for full sentences!

Using handwriting template pages helps students to see success as they have handwriting lines and letter examples to guide them. If you’re after some handwriting template pages that are ready to print and use, I have a set of Handwriting Sentences Practice Pages available in my store. The great thing about these templates is that they allow students to choose some of the words in their handwriting sentences, which helps them stay much more engaged!

You can click here for your copy of the Handwriting Sentences Practice Pages.

I hope that these ideas help inspire you to try something new in your handwriting lessons!

Do you want some fun spelling activity ideas while you’re here? Then have a read through my post of Fun and Easy Spelling Activities.

P.S. I love to hear how my tips and resources are helping you in your teaching, so feel free to leave a comment to let me know!

Have a question or a request? You can contact me at blueskydesignsbymrst@gmail.com.