1. Overview

“Air Writing” helps your child recognize numerals. By connecting a number of images with an abstract numeral, children will build their first real understanding of math’s alphabet.

Trace the number 2 in the air!

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2. Materials

To download, right-click and select Save As.

The Sight Words Air Writing Sheets are provided under the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License. Basically, you are permitted complete license to use the resources, provided you leave the attribution hallmark (our logo) on the resources. We would be happy to see the materials used in the classroom, in the home, as part of your tutoring business, or however you see fit. You do not need to contact us for permission to use the materials. We want you to use them!

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3. Directions

Video: Trace the number!

Print out the Sightwords Air Writing Sheets and arrange them in order starting from 1. Take the sheet with the number 1 on the front and trace the number with your finger (use the arrows as guidance). Say the word out loud as you trace. Have your child follow the arrows as she traces.

Adult: One. [Traces the number 1 with a finger and
            says the number out loud as the child watches]
            Now your turn.
Child: One. [Traces the number 1 with a finger]

It’s crucial that your child follow the arrows as she traces the numbers to build excellent writing habits. If your child traces incorrectly, stop her, show her the correct way to do it, and then have her repeat the exercise.

Adult: Three. [Traces number 3 with finger and
            says number out loud as child watches]
            Now your turn.
Child: Three. [Traces the number 3 incorrectly]

Once your child is comfortable tracing the numbers, have her trace several numbers at once without help.

Adult: Now you try tracing the numbers 1 to 3
Child: One. [Traces the number 1]
            Two. [Traces the number 2]
            Three. [Traces the number 3]
Adult: Good job!

Keep repeating the exercises so that your child builds confidence in counting, recognizing numerals, and writing.

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4. Confidence Builder

A 3-5 year-old child’s motor skills are still very underdeveloped. So, if your child needs help tracing the numerals, hold and guide your child’s hand to trace the numbers.

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5. Extension

Once your child has mastered the basic game, flip over the Sightwords Air Writing Sheets and call out numbers for your child to write. Getting to this stage will take several months, so don’t worry if your child is unable to perform this exercise immediately.

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One Response to “MC4: Air Writing”

  1. Nancy

    Hi, my grandson is 40 months old. He ” air” writing the alphabet,number to 100 and every shape known to man lol . He can read three letter words and write them . He can also write his name. Is this air writing a normal behavior for toddlers? His ability to do all this amazes us. He air writes all the time as well as on paper dry erase board and his magnadoodle. Thank you

    ADMIN – Hi Nancy,

    It isn’t typical for a 4-year-old to be able to write the alphabet and numbers up to 100. But, it isn’t abnormal – it is something we might see in advanced children – particularly those that went to a very academic preschool.

    Reply

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