6 super simple sensory letter activities for pre-k and k

As a pediatric OT, I teach a lot of handwriting. And I usually teach it to kids who really dislike handwriting. Makes for a fun time together, right? Well, actually it is! Learning how to write does not have to be boring. It does not have to be limited to paper and pencil. I like to use highly engaging sensory play to help kids build the fine motor and visual perceptual skills needed for successful handwriting. Here are 6 super simple activities  you can use, too!

1. LEGO PUSH
How: Push legos into playdough to form letters!
Why: Fine motor control, strength, tactile and proprioceptive sensory input.
What: Variety of Lego sizes, playdough, tray or mat.

---

2. LETTER ROLL
How: Roll dough into snakes and build letters
Why: Fine motor, bilateral integration, tactile and proprioceptive sensory input
What: playdough, molding clay

---

3. LETTER DRAW
​How: Draw letters in a sensory tray.
Why: Finger isolation, visual perception, tactile input
What: Cookie sheet or tray, salt, sand, rice, or sugar

---

​4. TOOTHPICK LETTERS
How: Build letters with toothpicks and marshmallows
Why: Fine motor skills, visual perception, grasping
What: Toothpicks, small marshmallows

---

5. LETTER PAINT
How: Use a q-tip to fill the dots forming the letter
​Why: Tripod grasp development, hand eye coordination
What: q-tips, paint, tray, printable (get it below!)

---

6. LETTER POKE
How: Use a giant push pin to poke holes on each dot
Why: Grasp development, hand eye coordination
What: Thick foam sheet, printout (below) large push pin

---