Pre Writing Activities for Preschoolers
Pre writing activities for preschoolers are necessary to help children to develop the skills needed for legible handwriting and higher level visual perceptual skills. The suggestions below help students to work on early writing skills before they ever pick up a pencil.
Pre-writing skills are necessary to master in the early years for many important reasons. Just like children need to walk before they can run, students need to master pre-writing skills before they can have legible and efficient handwriting.
Pre writing Activities for Preschoolers – No Pencils Required
Here are 6 simple pre writing activities for preschoolers to work on pre-writing skills without ever picking up a pencil.
Sensory Trays
Sensory Trays for Pre-Writing. Put some shaving cream, sand, rice, salt, etc. in a tray. Have the child practice “writing” horizontal, vertical, diagonal and curved lines using their finger.
Stickers on Lines
Preschool students love stickers! Draw some horizontal, vertical and diagonal lines on paper. Have the child place stickers along the lines. Not only does this activity help student to learn pre-writing strokes it also develops fine motor skills.
Movement Ideas for Pre Writing Activities for Preschoolers
Young children move to learn! Get the children up our of their chairs and practice making pre-writing lines and shapes. Have the children make their bodies into different types of lines – vertical, horizontal and curved. Try shapes.
Erasing Lines
Here is another activity idea to teaches children about pre-writing strokes and works on fine motor skills. Draw lines on a chalkboard or whiteboard. The child can erase the lines using a small sponge.
Create Lines and Shapes
Another idea for pre writing activities for preschoolers, is to use different tools or materials to make lines and shapes. Try pipe cleaners, yarn, or wax strings to create the lines and shapes. If you don’t have pipe cleaners, look for different items in your school or house that you could use ie wooden spoons for lines, jar lids for circles, etc.
Functional Sign In Sheets
Make the skills functional! Instead of having children write their names (which can create bad handwriting habits if they are not ready), try using pre-writing strokes instead. Try using a sign in sheet where the children make marks along horizontal lines each day. You can download a sample here.
The Weekly and Daily Sign In Sheets for Early Writers moves students through a progression of visual motor skills. When signing into the class or during morning work, students can practice writing vertical lines, horizontal lines, curved lines, diagonal lines, and shapes instead of focusing on letter formation. This helps students solidify early writing skills before having to write letters.
Pre-Writing Resources for Children

The Prewriting Bundle includes all 11 digital downloads to provide prewriting practice for early writers. Start students on the right path to form good writing habits prior to letter formation or use to practice the skills necessary for legible handwriting.