Activities for Teaching Writing to Young Learners

Writing Letters and Words

When they are just starting to learn a new language, especially if the language uses a different writing system than their home language, low-proficiency young learners need practice forming letters and writing individual words. These activities give them that practice in ways that are more fun than just tracing letters with a pencil.

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  Tactile and tasty: The same letter-formation activities that beginning first-language writers do can help second-language writers practice as well. These include finger painting with pudding, creating letter shapes with licorice strips, or placing chocolate chips on pattern—all of which not only allow for writing practice, but also provide a sweet treat when the learners have completed their tasks.
  
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