Finger Warm-Up Cards
Cut out the cards. Before writing, pick two cards and do each one 5 times. Tap a dot each time!
Fresh sheet anytime. Tap New sheet or reload for a different one. Tap + for up to 10.
This is sheet #135024601.
How to do it
- Cut out the cards.
- Pick two cards before writing.
- Do each one 5 times, tapping a dot each time.
Teaching tip
Keep the cards in a bag with play-dough, a sponge and a few coins.
About this worksheet
Eight hand warm-ups like squeeze a sponge, roll a play-dough snake and tear paper into bits.
What kids practice
These sheets build the hand strength, control and habits that make writing easier. They warm up little hands, practice staying in the lines, and teach where each letter starts. They help many children, with or without dysgraphia. They are not a test and not a diagnosis. Messy, slow writing is normal in kindergarten.
Watch for
- Starting letters at the bottom. Point to the green start dot every time.
- Gripping the pencil with a fist. Try a short pencil or broken crayon so a pinch grip happens on its own.
- Pushing through tired, sore hands. Take a break and come back.
- Waiting a long time to ask for help. If writing stays painful or very hard, ask about an occupational therapist (OT).
It's free to print, as many copies as you need. See the full handwriting helpers (dysgraphia-friendly) guide for kindergarten.
More sheets in this set
- See it all
1. Ready to Write ChartFour things to check before writing: sit tall, feet flat, pinch the pencil and a helper hand on the paper, plus tips for grown-ups. 
3. Paths That Get NarrowerStraight, wavy, zigzag, hill and step paths, each in three lanes that go from wide to narrow.
4. Big Dot-to-Dot ShapesFour big numbered dot-to-dot shapes, like a square, triangle, house or star.
5. Cutting StripsWide colored strips with dashed lines to cut: straight, wavy, zigzag and hills. Fewer has easier lines, More has trickier ones.
6. Giant Rainbow LettersOne giant uppercase and lowercase letter with numbered start dots, plus a row of each to trace and write. Reload for a new letter.