"My hand is a sentence" : Learn sentence writing rules using your hand!

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Beginner writers have lots to remember!

They need to remember how to sit at the table, how to hold their pencil, how to form letters and numbers.... 

Teachers and parents remind early writers about simple sentence writing rules such as the use of capital letters, punctuation and spaces between words.  With so many things to remember beginner writers need help!

"My hand is a sentence" shows children how to use their OWN hand to help them to remember how to write a sentence.  A visual printable is also available to help prompt you and your child with the actions and words. 

I have shared this resource with teachers who have used it with their whole class.  The prompt can be adapted to be for questions too but remember to let your kids know to end with a question mark. 

ACTION: Hold up right hand with fingers together.
SAY: My hand is a sentence. My fingers are the words.
ACTION:  Move out and wiggle your thumb.
SAY: I start with a capital letter.
ACTION:  Move out and wiggle your pinky finger.
SAY: I end with a full stop.
ACTION:  Spread fingers open.
SAY: I put spaces between the words.

Check out my IG account for a video of this prompt in ACTION! 

Get the visual prompt at the Your Kids OT shop
​ (FREE UNTIL OCT 31st, 2018)!

I want the visual prompt!

For older children, they may be able to use a writer's checklist to remember sentence writing conventions.  Find the checklist over HERE! 

​How do you help kids to remember sentence writing rules?

Cindy is a registered Occupational Therapist practising in Sydney Australia.  She has two young children who are a constant source of inspiration and learning.  Cindy loves working creatively to help children to reach their potential, finding opportunities in everyday living and making learning fun. Cindy is the author of the Occupational Therapy blog Your Kids OT. 

Read more articles from Your Kids OT at https://www.yourkidsot.com/blog
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The information on this site is general in nature. The activities are safe for most children, however, you should consult an Occupational Therapist or health professional to address specific movement, sensory or other medical conditions.

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