Parent Learning and Support
Pre-writing Skills
Resources to help you understand the foundations your child needs before handwriting begins, and how to support these skills in everyday play.
What it is and why it matters
What it is
Pre-writing skills are the foundational abilities children develop before they can form letters. They include hand strength, finger control, hand-eye coordination, and the ability to copy basic lines and shapes. These skills usually develop through everyday activities like drawing, building, and play.
Why it matters
These skills tend to build in a fairly predictable order, and they set the stage for comfortable, legible handwriting later on. When they are not yet in place, children may grip a pencil awkwardly, tire quickly, or avoid drawing and writing tasks, sometimes well before formal schooling begins.
How these resources help
Rather than jumping straight to letters, the resources on this page help you understand what pre-writing development looks like and what may be making it harder for your child right now. With that understanding, the activities you choose at home can be more purposeful and better matched to where your child is at.
Coming soon
Ready to Write
Ready to Write is a structured program for parents who want a clear way to understand and support their child's pre-writing development. It is currently in development, and will bring together what we know about the skills behind pencil grip, hand strength, and early mark making into a step by step approach for home.
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Looking for more personalised support?
If you would like individualised assessment and guidance for your child, Skill Sense® OT also offers telehealth occupational therapy services. An assessment is the starting point for tailored, one to one support.
Learn about OT servicesEvery child deserves to be understood.
Every parent deserves the tools to help.
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