Get a grip. Of your pencil that is. No, not in a fisted Im going to snap this pencil with all my strength way. And no, you are not a praying mantis so there really is no need to try and place every single finger onto the pencil. Such are the is-uess (Kath & Kim anyone?) of my new Kindy group.

It is the start of a new school year here in WA and that means rewinding the clock, right back to where we started from. Now, Im not sure if I was blinded by love (those kiddos were so adorable!) or if I have just forgotten (quite possible) but things are looking a lot more 'intense' on the fine motor side this year.

For the first time this year we have introduced a work sample file/portfolio/call it what you will as a way of reporting to parents (we still have a formal report to go with it). So after taking a few days to settle into Kindy we set about doing our first piece - a name writing sample. To say I was blown away is an understatement. Of 19 students 5 have a fisted grip, and only 4 can write their name (or some semblance of it).

Check this out...

Interesting... Are you experiencing the same thing with your students? Share your ideas with us on our Facebook page.

I hope this hasn't sounded too down? I know I can get them up to the standard of last years super stars, it may just take a little longer. I am definitely up to the challenge! Will share some of my ideas with you soon. Also we haven't forgotten about our room reveal pictures, just waiting til there is some work up on the walls!

Enjoy your weekend everyone, I am off to merge the National Curriculum with my planning. Joy!

'Remember keep calm and pretend it's on the lesson plan!'

Top Teacher xx