In this episode, we’re unpacking a topic that’s often misunderstood in early childhood education: the difference between handwriting and writing.

While these terms are often used interchangeably, they involve very different skills and understanding that difference can change the way you support your preschoolers.

Topics Discussed:

• What handwriting and writingreallymean
• Why mixing them up leads to unrealistic expectations
• How each skill develops (spoiler: not at the same pace!)
• Simple ways to support both - without overwhelming young learners

Related Resources:

• Fine Motor Build a Skill
• Name Writing Notebooks
• Writing Invitations for the Writing Center
• Shared and Interactive Writing

Related Blogposts/Episodes:

• How to Use Writing Invitations in Preschool
• Things to do Before Teaching Name Writing
• What is Shared and Interactive Writing in Preschool?
• Stop! Don't Hand that Preschooler a Pencil Yet!

Connect with Ashley

• Follow on Instagram @lovelycommotion
• Join the Lovely Preschool Teachers Facebook Group

More About the Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast

Are you a busy preschool teacher who loves gaining new ideas, perspectives, and inspiration for your classroom? The Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast is here to help you up your confidence in educating early learners in a quick, actionable way!

As an early educator who is still in the classroom, Ashley Rives will share the ins and outs of how she runs her classroom in a play-based, child-centered way. Each week, expect a new episode focused on actionable strategies to level up your abilities and confidence as a preschool teacher.

Ashley Rives is an early educator with over 17 years of experience and a strong passion to help teachers implement child-centered learning in preschool classrooms all over the world. You can follow her on Instagram @lovelycommotion or learn more at the Lovely Commotion Preschool Resources website: www.lovelycommotion.com