Looking for a fun Valentine idea for your classroom or therapy practice? These free printable Valentine cards are for you!
These days, so many kids are struggling with the grasping skills and visual motor skills needed for coloring, drawing, prewriting, and handwriting. Due to the Covid pandemic, many kids have transitioned to primarily virtual or digital learning platforms that don’t allow for the same regular opportunities to practice these skills.
But, as child development professionals, we know how crucial these early experiences with crayons, pencils, pens, and markers are for kids to help them develop the foundation skills they need for handwriting and other visual motor skills.
It’s so important for kids to learn how to grasp writing utensils effectively, to learn how to form prewriting shapes and lines, and to learn how to control writing utensils for coordinated formation of letters and numbers.
Quick Tips for Drawing & Coloring:
-Practice making horizontal lines, vertical lines, circles, intersecting lines, and diagonal lines. These are called prewriting strokes and are the foundation strokes that kids will need to learn for formation of letters.
-Break crayons into smaller pieces to encourage better grasp patterns. Coloring and drawing with shortened writing utensils naturally prompts kids to use a more effective grasp.
-Use visual cues to show kids where to grasp their crayon. Show kids how to hold crayons on the stripe on the crayon’s wrapper or place a piece of colored tape around the bottom of the writing utensil to show them the appropriate level to grasp it.
Today, we wanted to share some free printable Valentine cards that will support prewriting, drawing, and coloring skills! We love this printable for its bright colors and because it provides parents with easy ideas and simple steps they can use to support drawing skills at home.
These are perfect for an occupational therapist to share with the kids on their caseload or for a preschool teacher to share with the kids in their classroom. Or, these cards would make a great Valentine for kids to give to their classmates at school!
Free Printable Valentine Cards
What you’ll need:
-Free Printable Valentine’s day cards (included in the free download – sign up below!)
-Printable coloring and drawing tips (included in the free download – sign up below!)
-Crayons
-Ribbon
-Cardstock
What to do:
For a cute little gift for Valentine’s Day, download, print, and cut out the printable cards on cardstock. Print and cut out the coloring and drawing tips cards.
Sign the printable Valentine’s Day card and use the ribbon to tie a Valentine card, a coloring and drawing tips card, and a small box of crayons into a cute little Valentine’s Day package!
The tips on the card are perfect for parents to try at home with their kids to promote drawing and prewriting skills.
How to change it up:
-Pair this Valentine with one of these printable packs for an even bigger gift. These make the perfect addition to your V-day present!
–Drawing & Tracing Template pack
–Prewriting Practice Activity Pack
-Pencil Control Coloring Pages
-Check out these Simple Drawing Ideas for Prewriting Practice.
-These are our favorite Drawing Tools for Toddlers & Young Kids.
-Learn more about Why Drawing Matters for Kids!
Looking for more free Valentine’s Day crafts and activities?
Check out these freebies and our best ideas to celebrate the Valentine season!
-Free Valentine Movement Google Slides
Heart Themed Lateral Jumping Activity [FREE Printable]
-Jumping Hearts Free Printable Movement Game
-Free Valentine Printables: DIY Smelly Stickers
-Fine Motor Heart Art [FREE Printable]
You’re My Main Squeeze Balloon Fidget [FREE Printable]
-Free Printable Valentines for Visual Skills [FREE Printable]
