Fun Ways to Practice Handwriting

No kid likes to sit down and practice writing the same boring sentences on lined paper

with a pencil! But being able to be understood through their written communication is a

key part of being a kid (and often used as an adult, too). Handwriting and letter

formation practice doesn’t have to be handwriting books or pencil to paper - it can be

practiced in many other fun ways that get kids engaged and excited to learn.

Here are some fun ways to practice letter formation and handwriting:

• Shaving cream - Put some shaving cream on a plate or baking sheet and have

kids trace letters, words, or their name in shaving cream.

• Play dough - Make letters and words with play dough. Many sets come with letter

cookie cutters; kids can make the letters and then poke them with their finger to

trace each one.

• White board or chalk board - Write a letter or word in marker/chalk and have

them erase with a Q-tip or a paintbrush.

• Cars, Dolls, etc - Give your child a letter and ask them to make that letter by

lining up their toys. Or, have them choose a letter to form and try to guess which

one they made.

• Secret Messages - You will come up with a “secret” message and figure out

which letters make the message. Assign each letter a number, and have them

use the numbered alphabet to solve the secret message.

• Make a treasure map - Hide a fun toy somewhere around the house and have

kids help create and label a treasure map with where they need to go to get to it

(ie. “Up the stairs” “In the closet”)

Resources:

18 fun handwriting activities for kids (Even the reluctant ones). (2023, May 17). What Do We Do All Day. Retrieved June 13, 2025, from

https://www.whatdowedoallday.com/fun-handwriting-activities-for-kids/

Out-of-the-Box handwriting practice ideas. (2022, March 20). This Little Home of Mine.

Retrieved June 13, 2025, from https://www.thislittlehomeofmine.com/handwriting-practice-ideas/