Handwriting Games to Print and Play – FREE

There are a number of ways to make handwriting practice fun for kids. One great way is to use handwriting games either in the classroom or at home. There are many commercial games available that work on handwriting skills, but there are also many simple games that you can play pretty much anywhere.

Handwriting practice is essential for improvement but it can get boring and kids become disinterested.  Try adding some fun to your handwriting practice with these 3 FREE handwriting games to just print and play.  No prep required!

 BENEFITS OF HANDWRITING GAMES

Handwriting games offer many benefits to children. They can help improve a child’s fine motor skills, visual motor skills, hand-eye coordination, problem-solving skills, and writing skills. They help to develop a child’s memory and concentration. You can also use handwriting games as a tool to teach children about the alphabet and numbers.

WHAT SKILLS DO KIDS LEARN WITH HANDWRITING GAMES?

Handwriting games can help children to develop a number of essential skills besides just handwriting. If the handwriting activities are entertaining, the kids are less likely to view it as skill work, and more like a game.

Visual Perception Skills

Matching and sorting can help children to develop their visual perception skills. These skills are important for being able to see the differences between letters and numbers.

Fine Motor Skills

When kids use their fingers and hands during handwriting games, it can help them develop fine motor skills. Fine motor skills are important for activities such as writing, cutting with scissors, and using buttons and zippers. Kids can do pencil control exercises as they work on these games to ensure they have developed a functional pencil grasp. Working to develop their tripod grasp and proper positioning of a writing tool helps them perfect their fine motor skills.

Motor Planning Skills

Motor planning is the ability to plan and execute a series of movements. This skill is important for activities such as riding a bike, tying shoelaces, and writing. Kids use motor planning skills in handwriting games when they have to figure out how to make a letter or number using the materials they have.

Matching Skills

Many handwriting games involve matching letters, numbers, or shapes. This helps children to develop their ability to visually discriminate between different objects. Matching skills are important for being able to recognize letters and numbers when they see them in print.

Executive Functioning Skills

Games that involve planning and problem-solving can help children to develop their executive functioning skills. These skills are necessary for children to complete tasks and reach goals. Handwriting games often require kids to think ahead and plan their next move, which helps them work on their executive functions.

Hand-Eye Coordination Skills

As children track objects with their eyes while using their hands to write, they improve hand-eye coordination. This happens constantly when working with handwriting games.

Writing Skills

Writing games that involve tracing and writing can help to develop basic letter writing skills. Kids can work on lowercase letters, capital letters, and letter size. They can work on the correct letter formation of one letter of the alphabet or the entire alphabet.

WHEN TO USE HANDWRITING GAMES

Handwriting games can be used with children of all ages. However, they are most beneficial for children who are just learning how to write. When children have difficulty concentrating or remembering what they have learned, games may be able to help the situation.

When choosing a handwriting game, selecting one appropriate for the child’s age and abilities is important. And of course, choose a game that is engaging and fun!

SUPPLIES NEEDED FOR HANDWRITING GAMES

There are a few supplies that you will need in order to play handwriting games and do fun activities. Get creative with your supplies and accessories to come up with some crazy, fun activities. Here are some things to get you started:

• Paper
• Pencils
• Crayons
• Pens
• Markers
• Dry erase boards
• Whiteboards

Optional items/games to jazz up your activities:

• Shaving cream
• Flour
• Card games
• Handwriting game boards

HANDWRITING GAME IDEAS

Now that you’ve gotten the gist for how beneficial and exciting these amazing games can be, it’s time to try a few. Check out these 3 FREE handwriting games.

Handwriting Games #1 – Category Games Freebie

PLAYERS: 1+ OBJECT OF GAME: Top 10 – List 10 words for each category card.  SET UP: Print the Top 10 recording sheets the category cards. Cut apart the category cards. The  single lined recording sheet is included in the freebie. If you do not want to write the words, grab a hole  punch. Punch out the number in the category card each time you say a word from the category. If you don’t have a hole punch, color in each circle.  Download the freebie here.

Handwriting Games #2 – Let’s Hang Out – Doggy Hangman

Play hangman, practice writing letters and learn how to draw all at the same time!  Download the Doggy Hangman freebie here.

Handwriting Games #3 – Letter Races B versus b

Cut apart the cards, practice writing B and b to see who will win the race!  Download the Letter Race Bb page from the Letter Race packet.

Looking for even more handwriting fun?

Check out these popular titles:

Decoding Jokes – This Decoding Jokes download, created by Thia Triggs OTR, is perfect to start your OT or Speech and Language session with a laugh! Engage and motivate your students to practice handwriting. Great individual or small group activity. Build your therapeutic relationship through humor, laughter, and connection.

MASH Handwriting – This is a fun, silly game that has been around for decades.  By counting and eliminating options with your lucky number, you will determine with 100% accuracy (LOL obviously not) what your future holds – will you live in a mansion, apartment, shack or house?  who will you marry?  what job will you have? and what kind of car will you drive? Kids have been playing this for years and it never gets old.  This MASH Game takes it to a whole different level with 20+ games in total to complete for fun handwriting practice too!  The download includes so many more themes to plan your future to cure boredom, promote literacy, encourage creativity, sneak in physical exercise and more!  FIND OUT MORE.