Finding Strengths

Have you ever tried to help a child write the letter e? They often make them upside down, backwards or in parts. They make many strokes like they are drawing the letter instead of writing it. While using the program Handwriting Without Tears I was introduced to the saying “Hit the ball and run around the bases” for remembering how to write the lowercase letter e. It has made a huge difference in developing the writing of that letter. ​

A couple of weeks ago, I was helping one my kinder friends write an e. We started with a tactile card and traced it with his finger. As he put his finger on the green dot to start we would say the little chant, "Hit the ball and run around the bases," and he would trace. After a couple of tries, we pulled out the dry erase paper and he gave it a go. He made the perfect path for an e, for which we celebrated. Then, the following dialogue took place. ​

S: "It is a little big."

Me: "So, what do you think your next goal should be?"

S: Looking at me puzzled.
(So I questioned him through it.)

Me: "I heard you say the e was too big, so what would you like it to be?"

S: "I would like it to be smaller?"

Me: "So, do you think making the e smaller next week should be your goal?"

S: "Yes, that should be my goal for next time?"

The next week we practiced tracing the e as a reminder of the correct path.  He then wrote his name and that e was smaller without any reminders. Another goal achieved and another celebration.

My big AHA! Was he noticed the e being bigger than the other letters in his name. I am not sure what he has been working on in his classroom, but the thing I was excited about was his self_reflecting. He is in the beginning months of kindergarten and is able to self-reflect. That is a strength on which we we can build.