Research shows there’s a strong correlation between early handwriting skills and better grades in school. Musical play—specifically fingerplays and instrument manipulation—is an engaging way to build those hand muscles and pincer grasps necessary for good penmanship.
What does the research tell us?
First, let’s talk about the importance of writing by hand in general.
In a world where screens are dominant, there is sometimes a decrease in emphasis on fine motor skills as it relates to early handwriting. Tablets and other electronic devices aren’t going anywhere, and they’re introduced in classrooms as early as preschool.
However, handwriting—an extremely complex motor skill—forces different parts of the brain to work together to meet a goal. There’s the need to adjust pressure, directional skills, memory recall, spatial awareness…and the list goes on.
In fact, studies indicate that children who write—not type—words have stronger letter recognition.
And here’s where good handwriting skills come in…
A Florida International University research team found that children who exhibited strong penmanship in preschool performed better academically several years later.
So, if handwriting is our most neurologically complex fine motor skill, then how can we help preserve it and prime young brains and hands to write well beyond coloring and tracing?
How musical play supports early handwriting…
Good penmanship starts with learning how to use and coordinate finger, hand, and wrist muscles. That learning, especially within fingerplay and instrument play activities, is at the heart of shared music making. Here are two activities to facilitate in the home or classroom which can help develop those fine motor skills.
Fingerplays
Fingerplays are complementary finger movements associated with chants, rhymes, or songs, like “The Itsy Bitsy Spider.”
While they are packed with lots of developmental benefits like bilateral movement, vocabulary, and memory skills, they’re a perfect intro to building fine motor skills with no objects required—just your fingers!
You might know “Tommy Thumbs.” It’s a quick Kindermusik favorite that you can use to focus attention (we even recommend it for wind-down time!) and strengthen those hand muscles. Check out how to reproduce this classic with your kiddos below.
Instrument Play
Another stress-free, joyful way to encourage early handwriting is instrument manipulation.
From the early stages of grabbing a baby shaker to the more advanced stages of confidently using a small glockenspiel mallet, this specific skill booster teaches control, cause and effect, and eye-hand coordination, all while maintaining interest (that’s key!) in a joyful activity.
Here are some of our favorite pincer grasp-building instruments…
For at-home engagement, you can recreate an instrument experience by using wooden spoons for rhythm sticks, lightweight towels or blankets for scarf play, and car keys in place of shakers. Just set it to your favorite music!
We love “Shake the Rattles” from the free Kindermusik App. It’s perfect for multiple ages to practice pincer grasp and weighted control.
Add musical play to your early handwriting toolkit.
The secret to building those hand muscles and coordination skills is finding something that doesn’t feel like a “lesson” for little ones.
Attention spans are short, so try adding some short musical activities to your routine. It feels like play because it is! Play is where we learn and where those fine-tuned motor skills have a chance to grow and stick. And children will want to come back for more.
Want more tips and ideas for supporting early handwriting skills?
For families, check out a studio class near you.
For teachers, browse our early learning musical play solutions.