Children are driven by a natural curiosity to learn, touch, see, and play. With all that energy, it can often be difficult to plan activities to get your child to slow down, and be mindful of the task at hand. Activities including reading, colouring, and writing are great for developing essential skills, and working on your child’s focus and attention.
In particular, writing is an essential skill for children of all ages. With an ever increasing focus on technology, the times we find ourselves taking pen to paper are getting fewer and farther between. Though there is less of an emphasis on physically writing these day, there are still ways to get your children to love writing as much as you did; maybe even more!
Letter Writing Day
On December 7th, you and your children can enjoy celebrating Letter Writing Day! This unofficial holiday was created to revive the art and tradition of letter writing. The invention of modern means of communication, including phones and email, has shifted letter writing from being a necessity, to a less popular activity. On Letter Writing Day, you can once again enjoy this activity, and for those of us more versed in writing, it’s also a great opportunity to show off our impeccable penmanship skills!
Practicing Letter Writing
Though it may not be necessary as a form of communication any longer, you can still participate in letter writing, and get your children excited about it too! Encourage your children to practice their writing skills, and write their friends and loved ones a little note. These letters can make lovely mementos for family members upon receiving them. This is also a great way for your child to practice writing skills they have learned. Letters, words, phrases, and practicing letter writing will even help smaller children to develop their fine motor skills of holding a pencil or crayon.
If you plan to send out a holiday card this year, let your children lend a hand! Add a little handwritten note, or let your child practice signing their name on the holiday cards. Your children will love getting involved; it could even be the start of a fun family tradition to prepare your holiday cards together.
When was the last time you sent a letter? Take advantage of Letter Writing Day on December 7th by sending your family and friends a note to let them know you are thinking of them!
