We tried different sensory methods to help our memory.
We rubbed lotion between the thumb and pointer finger of our right hand.
We dipped our right fingers in water and shook off the droplets.
We sang the Hokie Pokey and put our right hand in and out.
We shake hands with our neighbor at the table. We say "This is my right hand. I shake hands with my right hand." Learning our right hand is a prewriting skill in the Handwriting Without Tears curriculum.
As we support children in growing toward the goal of more fine motor control, there are a few things we focus on. First is grip. Correct grip needs to be taught. Awkward grips just happen. We have been learning a song that helps children remember how to hold a crayon properly:
Your thumb is bent. Pointer points to the tip. Tall Man uses his side.
I tuck my last two fingers in and take them for a ride.
Here is a video featuring this song in case your child would like a reminder and you would like to sing it at home as your child gets ready to color or draw.
