Ideas and resources
Have you tried the writing claw? What do you think? Is this the new way to get children to hold their pencil correctly or just another do-dad for the parent to buy? My children both hold their pencils – I wont say incorrectly but different than they are meant to hold them (according to the teacher). I think as long as there is no wrist pain and the writing is correct and controlled then each child is entitled to their own style. What do you think?
I’m in deep denial about the fact that new year is almost upon us again! It’s been the fastest and the longest year at the same time, and I can look back and see some good things as well as some things I wish had gone differently.
Doing a year in review with your kids — whether in the classroom or at home — is a good way to capture some of their memories and the things they really liked about the year gone by.
There are a lot of different printable year in review worksheets you can use if you want to make this super easy. Here are links to a few (often part of larger posts about NYE celebrations with kids that are worth a read, too):
Of course you could pretty easily make your own year in review for the whole family to do that asks questions based on what you most want to remember. (Favorite video game? Best friend? Favorite family memory?)
And if after the year in review you’re ready to look ahead a bit, Mrs. Merry has new year’s resolution printables to inspired kids to look ahead and set goals for things they want to try. You can totally fill this one out as a grownup, too.
[Photo: Mrs. Merry]
Actually, I think that the supposed ‘correct’ way to hold a pencil may contribute to carpal tunnel syndrome, and I refuse to hold my pencil that way. In fact, I CAN’T hold it that way even long enough to sign my name, any more, without my CPS flaring up – so nope – I don’t think kids should be forced to hold their pencil any specific way.
They need to find a way to hold it, that doesn’t hurt their fingers or wrist, that still gives the writing result required. I don’t see anything wrong with teaching them the traditional hold – but if it doesn’t work for them, then we need to find a way that suits their hands better. This reminds me of the old tradition of tying a left-handed kid’s left hand behind his/her back, and forcing them to write right handed. What is natural for one isn’t necessarily natural for the next.
Definitely a doodad aimed to get parents separated from their money. I don’t hold my pencil/pen the way the device shows and I have most excellent handwriting!