Practice Stick Writing!

Do your kids love nature? Looking for a way to make practicing their writing fun? Then look no further! First graders will get a kick out of creating a written message and practicing their letters using sticks they find in nature. This also helps to practice their letter formation and handwriting strokes. So get the kids and head outside!

• pencil
• 20-25 thin sticks (3-6 inches long)
• construction paper
• Elmer's glue
• finger paint
• small bag
• scissors (optional)

What You Do:

1. Get the kids outside and take a nature walk- either in your backyard or at your local park. Be sure to take along a small plastic bag to keep your sticks once they are found. Find about 20-25 thin sticks about 3-6 inches long each. If you can only find longer sticks or broken tree branches (already fallen) you can always break or cut them into smaller pieces at home.
2. After collecting your sticks, complete the last few steps inside at a table. Start by practicing writing your ABC's using sticks! Break or cut sticks into pieces as you make each letter. Begin by using a pencil to write a large capital letter "A" on your paper. Then use glue to attach sticks on each line of the letter. Allow to dry. Continue this process to make each letter of the alphabet.
3. When dry, use finger paint to paint the front of each stick in the letter. Be sure to move your finger in the same direction as you did when you wrote the letter with a pencil. This will help practice your handwriting strokes!
4. Use the remaining sticks to write a message to someone! You can form the sticks into letters on the table without using glue. Be sure to write using complete sentences.

This is a great way to practice handwriting, ABC's, and writing. It's also a creative way to use sticks found from a fun nature walk. So head outside for a writing lesson that will “stick”!