# data[].attributes.headline
Are you holding the pencil properly? Watch this video to find out.

# data[].attributes.subject
Are you holding the pencil properly? Watch this video to find out.

# data[].attributes.body
Correct pencil grip is very important when it comes to good handwriting.

# data[].attributes.headline
The Handwriting Game That Tricks Kids Into Practising Their Handwriting

# data[].attributes.subject
The Handwriting Game That Tricks Kids Into Practising Their Handwriting

# data[].attributes.body
Click through for instructions - all you need is a pencil and paper.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
'The Handwriting Game' is a fun (and funny) rainy day penmanship contest in which kids compete to see if they can scribble better than their parents. What makes it hilarious, of course, is that mom and dad are forced to write with their non- dominant hand, eyes closed, or with any number of other designated impediments aimed at making their chicken-scratch even more comical. Not only is the game effective at killing time when everybody's trapped indoors, but it also helps kids practice their reading, writing, and fine-motor skills. And along the way, your enigmatic, tortured scribblings are certain to crack the whole family up.

Prep Time: 5 minutes.
Entertainment Time: 15 to 20 minutes.
Energy Expended by Child: Minimal physical, Moderate mental.
What You Need:

A stack of blank paper (lined is best)

A writing surface for everyone (a coffee table works)

Markers or pens

After passing out paper and a writing utensil to everyone, have your kids come up with a short, simple sentence. Give them an example, such as "I love my pet dog," and ask them to write it on their paper. Tell them that you'll be doing the same, but with you "wrong" hand. Once finished, compare everyone's handwriting (while engaging in some playful debate) to decide who "wins" ⏤ that is, who has the most legible penmanship in the family. Play a few more rounds, doling out new paper as needed.

Next, increase the difficulty by announcing that all adults will now be writing with the wrong hand and their eyes closed. Your kids can continue writing as usual with their eyes open, of course, and they'll likely be delighted at just how rune-like and hieroglyphic your writing becomes.

After that, there are several ways to keep the game going - and to continue to make a fool of yourself. Writing with toes, fingers taped together, or with a marker in your mouth are all options certain to keep them entertained. But all the while, ask them to keep writing normally, as this will keep them practicing. They have no idea they're being tricked.

Once they tire of handwriting, the game can easily be adapted to drawing. Have them pick a subject to draw and compete in the same fashion. Unless you're a talented artist, the end results of drawing in this manner can get funny, fast. While sketching with my left hand and eyes closed, my attempt at depicting the family dog ended up being a cross between a Facehugger from Alien and something out of a Hieronymous Bosch painting. My kid loved it.

When school is out, it can be difficult to keep your kids motivated and practing what they learned in class. 'The Handwriting Game' is a genuinely fun and useful way to kids working with words - and laughing - all summer long.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
'The Handwriting Game' Is a Hilarious Way to Trick Kids Into Practicing Their Letters

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
'The Handwriting Game' is a fun (and funny) rainy day penmanship contest in which kids compete to see if they can scribble better than their parents. What makes it hilarious, of course, is that mom and dad are forced to write with their non- dominant hand, eyes closed, or with any number of other designated impediments aimed at making their chicken-scratch even more comical.

# data[].attributes.body
This is great as you can choose your own guidance lines, practise writing something, then watch your own writing being played back to you!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
A handwriting demonstration tool

This tool lets you replay your handwriting and stores it for later.

Handy hints:

I found this a great tool for after lunch calm down handwriting. I like to put on acoustic guitar music, (Rene Aubry or Søren Bødker Madsen are great).

It works on tablets, prop them up and give the children their handwriting books.

It allows the teacher to walk around the room and watch the children as they work, giving feedback.

Please note, words only save on the device you are using.

Save a set of words during lunch so that you're ready when class begins.

Why not model digit formation in Reception / Year 1.

Morning routine: Why not leave it running on your IWB as the children come in?

Have fun!
HAVING TROUBLE LOADING? Please try this version.

This game is © copyright 2023, J.Barrett, ictgames.com All Rights Reserved.

Made using the and libraries.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
This tool lets you replay your handwriting and stores it for later. Handy hints: I found this a great tool for after lunch calm down handwriting. I like to put on acoustic guitar music, (Rene Aubry or Søren Bødker Madsen are great). It works on tablets, prop them up and give the children their handwriting books.

# data[].attributes.headline
Practise your letter and number formation online

# data[].attributes.subject
Practise your letter and number formation online

# data[].attributes.body
A site/app that lets you choose which letters/numbers to focus on, as well as the size and speed you'd like.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
This activity provides a good model for learners starting to write letters and numbers. Clear animations show the correct starting points and proper strokes. Use the mouse, touch screen or interactive whiteboard to follow or "write over" the letter as it is formed. Letter Formation uses the Jotter Primary font, which appears throughout the Doorway Online activities. Alternative versions of the letters 'f' and 'k' are available.

Note: We do recommend you try the new updated version of Letter and Number Formation, however if you would like to continue using the original you will need to download the Doorway Activity Pack.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
This activity provides a good model for learners starting to write letters and numbers. Clear animations show the correct starting points and proper strokes. Use the mouse, touch screen or interactive whiteboard to follow or "write over" the letter as it is formed. Letter Formation uses the Jotter Primary font, which appears throughout the Doorway Online activities.

# data[].attributes.headline
Use 'The Handwriting Cat' as a reference.

# data[].attributes.subject
Use 'The Handwriting Cat' as a reference.

# data[].attributes.body
This reminds you that some letters are 'body' letters (a, c, e, i, m, n, o, r, s, u, v, w, x, z), some letters have a 'body' and a 'head' (b, d, f, h, k, l, t as well as all capital letters) and some have a 'body' and a 'tail' (g, j, p, q, y).

# data[].attributes.body
Read about the programme here, purchase resources related to it here, and you can find out about the related app here.

# data[].attributes.headline
Twinkl Resources to Reduce Handwriting Size

# data[].attributes.subject
Twinkl Resources to Reduce Handwriting Size

# data[].attributes.body
This site has lots of printable worksheets aimed at improving and teaching letter and number formation. This link will lead you to resources focused on reducing the size of your handwriting, which can sometimes be an issue.