Lesson Note for Nursery 1, Nursery 2, Nursery 3, & kindergarten

Learning Objectives:

1. To determine whether children are right-handed writers.

   Observe each child playing with objects in the classroom. Make a notation as to which hand he or she uses to complete various tasks such as holding a crayon, throwing a ball, holding a spoon, and so on.

2. To determine whether children are left-handed writers.

   Observe each child playing with objects in the classroom. Make a notation as to which hand he or she uses to complete various tasks such as playing with a hand puppet, throwing a ball, holding a drinking carton, and so on.

3. To develop correct right-handed writing positions.

   If a child is right-handed, teach him or her to write with that hand. Children should sit erect with their feet flat on the floor. The child’s hips should be well back in the seat so that the body is not too close to the desk or table. Both of the child’s forearms should rest on the desk at an angle.

4. To develop correct left-handed writing positions.

   If a child is left-handed, teach him or her to write with that hand. Children should sit erect with their feet flat on the floor. The child’s hips should be well back in the seat so that the body is not too close to the desk or table. Both of the child’s forearms should rest on the desk at an angle.

5. To ensure proper holding/gripping of pen or pencil.

   Have them hold the pencil loosely between the thumb and middle finger and about one inch above the point. Children who are having difficulty using this traditional method may prefer the alternate method of holding the pencil between the first two fingers.

6. To ensure correct paper/book placement.

   The model correct paper placement is that the paper/book should be straight in front of the child with edges parallel to the edges of the desk.
   
   ALTERNATIVELY,
   For right-handed children, the paper or book should be to the right of an imaginary line running through the centre of the body. For left-handed children, it should be to the left. The paper or book can be slanted as shown in the diagram below.

7. Ensure that chair and desk (or table) height are appropriate in size.

   This allows for a better visual presentation of materials.More importantly, when neat handwriting is required, the hands grasp more functionally when correct sitting posture is encouraged. Having the feet flat on the floor gives stability to the lower body and the core.Stability is necessary for adequate mobility of the hands. This reduces fatigue and allows the hands to move more freely (and it helps reduce excessive pencil pressure in some kids).
   
   Your learner’s chair size should allow:
   1. Feet flat on the floor
   2. Ankles at a 90⁰
   3. Knees at a 90⁰
   4. Thighs parallel to the floor
   5. Hips at a 90⁰
   6. The lower back should have a slight inward curve
   Your learner’sdesk/table height should allow:
   1. Shoulders relaxed
   2. Elbows resting gently along the sides of the body
   3. Surface height at elbow level (when elbows are resting at the sides), or up to 1-2 inches above elbow level (depending on the size of your student)
      Note: Finding the correct surface height can be a challenge.Many desks and tables can be lowered.If the height is still an issue, a taller chair can be used with support under the feet.
      Supports under the feet can include a sturdy rectangular box, an old thick book or Styrofoam wrapped in decorative tape, a stack of thinner books, or wooden blocks.
      Adjust desk height and match chair size to help position your student as best as you can.

Rationale:

Prerequisite/ Previous knowledge:

Learning Materials:

Reference Materials:

1. “Growing Friendships: A Kid’s Guide to Making and Keeping Friends” by Eileen Kennedy-Moore.
2. Internet/web

Lesson Development: