AboutSue Expertise I will answer questions in the area of Child Development for children ages two to five. This includes social, emotional, cognitive & language development, large motor & fine motor skills, behavioral issues, potty training and parental concerns. I can give ideas for lesson plans and classroom activities. I will also help with daycare/preschool policies. I can also help with licensing requirements for preschools/daycare, however, I am only familiar with the licensing requirements for the state of Michigan.
Experience I have been teaching in preschools for 25 years. My main experience has been with children two to five years of age. The last 16 years I have been the lead teacher for the pre-kindergarten program.
Organizations NAEYC
Education/Credentials I have a B.S. degree and a teaching certificate in elementary education with a ZA endorsement (child development) from my graduate level classes.
Expert: Sue Date: 5/5/2008 Subject: Preschool Writing Skills
Question Hi, I have a very odd question, but I'm stumped. Can you give me any advice or techniques for getting my 4 year old, left handed child to hold a pencil or writing implement correctly? He is still holding his pencil in a fisted grasp. I'm confused as to how to proceed with helping him on this and I'm also right handed so it's hard for me. Thank you.
Answer Hi Melanie,
Actually, this is an excellent question. Holding a pencil in the pincer grasp is developmental. First, large motor development occurs, then the fine motor skills develop. I suggest giving your son a variety of markers, pencils, crayons, glue and glue sticks to use. The markers, pencils and crayons should include fat and skinny sizes, as well as, long and short sizes (itty bitty).
Also have manipulative activities for him to do (without any pressure to do them) such as lacing beads (or use macaroni), peg boards, puzzles, playdough, small objects to pick up using tweezers, and anything else that uses the thumb and forefinger. If using tweezers is too difficult, start by using larger objects and tongs. A great activity that children love is food coloring (mixed with water), eye-droppers and an egg carton. In addition to helping pincer development, they get to create new colors (usually black).
