Kindergardener refuses to write

[Camille]

So what do you do with a child that will trace but refuses to write. Reading is going well, she learns the math facts easily, she just refuses to write in any subject, only trace. I have suggested that we continue in K for another year and give her more time but she desperately wants to go on to 1st. She asked to learn cursive but will only trace that as well.

[jen1134]

Does she struggle with anxiety? Or complain of hand soreness?

[Camille]

No. She just doesn't want to write. I could do up pages of tracing and she would do it no problem.

[sunflower21]

Camille I don't have any advice, but I am sending hugs!

[Beorn]

Curious, if you were to tell her that First Graders are expected to write and not only trace, what do you think she would say?

[Camille]

Progress! I told her that she has to write to go to 1st grade and asked if she was ready to write. She said yes. Of course we have had this discussion before and it hasn't stuck but we will see.
Thank you!

[enbateau]

Kids don't often hold back when they know the answer to something. Reluctance is usually a sign of lack of competency. The example I always give is that if I say to a class, "Two plus two is," people are going to call out the number four. We know it like we know it like we know it. We have seen and solved 2 + 2 so many times we cannot forget the answer if we try. It's so well-known that it's ecphrasis.

Writing is not always that way. Letter formation takes time. See if your child can form the letter in the air. The movements learned in gross motor (from the shoulder, elbow or wrist) translate perfectly to fine motor (from the fingertips). Practice writing letters in a white rice bin. Give her a little more practice having her teach you (or maybe a lovie/stuffed animal) where to start each letter.

My last thought is that kids are adept at getting their way when they are nervous about making a developmental leap. When I cave and give in to my little one's complaining about having to do a task that is challenging, I am buying myself more complaining until I stick to my guns. If my child has demonstrated competency at a skill but refuses to do so out of preference, that is when we work on the heart issue of obedience.

[Anita]

“I’m so excited for you to start first grade in the fall, my darling. But there’s one problem: First graders are expected to write — no tracing. So we are going to put all your first grade materials on a shelf and wait until you’re ready to write like a first grader. When you're ready, we will begin. But listen: this is a Big Kid decision. Once you decide to write, you cannot trace anymore. So think about it and let me know when you’re ready. I know you can do it. Your tracing is so lovely and accurate. I’ll just wait. Love you.”