As a parent who has worked in early years education, I completely understand the pressure around writing. It can feel like one of those big milestones that suddenly matters a lot once preschool or Reception is on the horizon.
But here is something I always remind families. Writing does not begin with neat letters on paper. It begins much earlier, with movement, strength, coordination, and confidence.
Before a child can control a pencil, they need strong shoulder muscles, stable core strength, good hand control, and an understanding of how shapes and lines work together to form letters. When we focus on playful foundations instead of perfect results, children develop the skills naturally and with far less frustration.
If you are looking for a broader range of play based ideas beyond writing, you might also enjoy our guide to 5 Fun and Engaging Activities for Toddlers and Preschoolers, where we explore sensory play, creative activities, and discovery learning that all support early development.
Here are five early writing games that build those foundations in a way that feels enjoyable and achievable.
Giant Floor Letter Formation
If a child struggles with small pencil movements, the answer is often to go bigger first.
Create large letters on the floor using masking tape, or draw them outside with chalk. Encourage your child to walk along the letter shape, trace it with their finger, or push a toy car carefully around the lines.
You can talk through the movement as they go. For example, “Start at the top, go down, back up, and around.”
Why this works
Large movements strengthen shoulders and arms, which are essential for later pencil control. Writing starts from the shoulder, not just the fingers. When children move their whole arm, they build muscle memory for letter formation without even realising it.
Skills developed
• Letter formation awareness
• Directionality and starting points
• Gross motor control
• Core and shoulder strength
2.
Air Writing With Sounds
This was always one of my favourite classroom strategies because it combines movement and phonics.
Say a letter sound and model writing it in the air using your whole arm. Encourage your child to copy you. Focus on correct starting points and movement rather than speed.
For example, for the letter m you might say, “Down, up and over, up and over.”
Why this works
Children learn best when multiple senses are involved. By hearing the sound, seeing the movement, and physically forming the shape in the air, they strengthen their understanding of how letters are constructed.
It also removes the pressure of paper and pencil, which can sometimes create resistance.
Skills developed
• Phonics and sound recognition
• Memory recall
• Letter formation
• Coordination between movement and sound
Whiteboard Name Practice
A child’s name is often the most motivating word they will ever learn to write.
Use a whiteboard to model your child’s name clearly using correct letter formation. Let them trace over your writing first before attempting it independently.
You can break it down into manageable steps. Perhaps focus on just the first letter at first. Celebrate effort rather than perfection.
Why this works
Whiteboards are forgiving. Mistakes can be wiped away instantly, which lowers anxiety. Repetition builds familiarity, and familiarity builds confidence.
Children who feel confident are far more willing to practise.
Skills developed
• Name recognition
• Correct letter sequencing
• Pencil control
• Confidence and independence
4.
Pattern and Shape Challenges
Children need to master the shapes that make letters before they can write them confidently.
Practise copying simple pre writing shapes such as:
• Vertical and horizontal lines
• Circles
• Zig zags
• Crosses
• Waves
Turn it into a game. Can they copy your pattern? Can they make it longer? Can they spot which one looks different?
You can draw patterns on large paper, chalkboards, or even use paintbrushes with water outside.
Why this works
Every letter is made up of lines and curves. When children confidently control these shapes, letter formation becomes much easier and less overwhelming.
Skills developed
• Fine motor control
• Visual tracking
• Hand eye coordination
• Pre writing development
If your child enjoys more tactile activities alongside pattern practice, you may also like our mess free sensory activities for toddlers and preschoolers, which help strengthen hands in playful ways.
5. Pencil Grip and Hand Strength Games
Sometimes writing difficulties are not about understanding letters at all. They are about weak hand muscles or an awkward grip.
Simple strengthening games make a big difference, such as:
• Using tweezers to pick up small objects
• Peg boards
• Threading beads
• Squeezing sponges in water
• Using small crayons or broken crayons to encourage a tripod grip
Short crayons are particularly helpful because they naturally promote the correct finger positioning instead of a full fist grip.
Why this works
Strong fingers allow children to control pressure, maintain grip, and write for longer without tiring. When writing feels physically easier, confidence increases quickly.
Skills developed
• Hand strength
• Tripod grip
• Finger isolation
• Writing stamina
Our Final Thoughts
Early writing should feel playful, not pressured.
As both a parent and an early years teacher, I have seen how much smoother handwriting development becomes when we focus on strength, movement, and formation awareness first. Children who build these foundations tend to approach writing with confidence rather than hesitation.
Early writing is just one part of school readiness. For more playful learning ideas that support development across different areas, explore our full collection of activities for toddlers and preschoolers to build a balanced and enjoyable learning routine at home.
Writing is not just about letters on a page. It is about coordination, readiness, and belief in their own ability.
When we protect that confidence in the early years, we give them something far more valuable than neat handwriting. We give them a positive start.
