Which ABC writing toy?

[Anonymous]

My almost 4-year-old is wanting to learn his letters and write them. I want to get him a toy that’ll help with that. I’m between two (but open to suggestions) that I think would help him. For those who’ve done this already, does one look better than the other? Or is there another similar toy that you found helpful for your kids?

https://www.lakeshorelearning.com/products/language/alphabet/trace-write-alphabet-center/p/LL681/

https://a.co/d/5ZQabPE

[Anonymous]

I'd go with the lakeshore one because it promotes proper letter formation (ie the lines/arrows)

I'd also have him use those letter cards to practice writing in lots of multi-sensory fun ways, like with shaving cream on a table, using his finger.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I'd go with the lakeshore one because it promotes proper letter formation (ie the lines/arrows)

I'd also have him use those letter cards to practice writing in lots of multi-sensory fun ways, like with shaving cream on a table, using his finger.

Oh fun! I hadn’t thought of that!

[Anonymous]

I’d get an actual writing program and do it with him each day. I’d just buy the complete tv teacher set with the workbooks if you can afford it, they’re all great. Follow along with the video, you’ll need letter cards, lined chalkboard, lined dry erase board, and multiple copies of worksheets for practice after each video. Raised lined paper, tripod grip pencils, tripod grip crayons, mini dry erase markers too. Many of these are on no longer on their website but can be found on Amazon. I start with strokes, shapes and scenes then move to uppercase or do both simultaneously. You’ll be about $300 all in but it will last several years and kids like it. You can probably find a sample letter on YouTube as well.

https://www.tvteachervideos.com/

https://www.amazon.com/s?k=handwriting+chalkboard+triple+line&crid=2GKLCE6SNI6J5&sprefix=handwriting+chalkboard+triple+line%2Caps%2C133&ref=nb_sb_noss

[Anonymous]

I’d go with the first, and I’d focus on lowercase not uppercase, as that is what they’ll use most. Have him say the name of the letter out loud as he writes it. That makes it multisensory - has both kinesthetic-motor input (writing with hand), vocal-motor input (making the letter name in the mouth) and auditory input (hearing the name of the letter as he says it). That creates a solid representation of the letter in his brain, which is a great foundation for later. I’m a CALT and teach dyslexic kids to read, for what it’s worth.

[Anonymous]

We did a few things but my kid really loved the Hooked On Phonics app on the iPad. It was the only time she was and still is allowed to use an iPad so she felt special. She started with writing with her finger and then progressed to writing with the pencil. She is now writing sentences at age 5.

We also did workbooks with disappearing ink to practice—they were great too.

[Anonymous]

Lakeshore is a company that makes supplies for teachers so they're more vetting

[Anonymous]

Pencil and paper, get maze books for preschoolers for fun practice holding pencil etc.

[Anonymous]

Your 4yo doesn't need a toy to learn to write letters. Just leave him be.

[Anonymous]

To learn the letters, we did the foam bath letters from Munchkin. Those are only uppercase, so we got some refrigerator magnet letters for the lowercase. Both kids learned their letters very quickly. No need for a computer program or a fancy toy: we invent games like making the correct letter sound and then throwing it down the stairs, lining them up on the windowsill, putting them in a drawer, feeding them to the stuffed animals, jumping on them, flying spaceships to them, etc.

I haven't pushed writing the letters, which is a different skill entirely, but my daughter seems to have mostly learned that on her own. She absolutely loves to color and draw, and I think all the time she's spent doing that has contributed to her having by far the best handwriting in her preschool class. She'll have to regularize her technique when she starts Kindergarten in August, but I don't anticipate it will be hard for her. Since learning is so play-based at this age, my recommendation would be mazes, coloring books, dot-to-dots, etc. If your child really wants to do some letter practice, there are worksheets you can download.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Your 4yo doesn't need a toy to learn to write letters. Just leave him be.

You cannot be serious? Most kids can read and write before kindergarten.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Your 4yo doesn't need a toy to learn to write letters. Just leave him be.

You cannot be serious? Most kids can read and write before kindergarten.

This is not true. Most children probably know the names of the uppercase letters and can write their names before Kindergarten. But in my daughter's pre-K class of 15 students, she is one of only two who can read. It comes down to what the parents choose to prioritize. I chose reading, other parents chose different skills. It's all equally valid, and they're all going to learn to read in the next couple years anyway.