This readiness programme resource should be used well into a child’s first year at school. It can be most beneficial for remedial work as well as extra help with preparing your child for writing. In this book we aim to:

​Strengthen finger muscles. These muscles are used extensively for writing skills. We recommend the learner uses a pencil and/or coloured pencils to complete these exercises as the same muscles are used.

​Develop hand-eye coordination.

​How to assist your child with this book:

​Encourage your child to trace the picture, that is outline the picture before colouring it in. Outlining the section to be coloured will help your child to define and concentrate on the boundaries. This helps with figure background perception, an important skill needed when reading.

​Teach your child how to sharpen pencils and only to use a sharp pencil as blunt pencils are inclined to lead to untidy work.

​If too much pressure is placed on the fingers, rather use a softer pencil e.g a 2B pencil rather than an HB pencil.

​Encourage a positive attitude towards work and completing tasks. Once established this attitude will prevail throughout your child’s educational career.

​Encourage your child to work neatly and to colour in from side to side to obtain a neat finish in the picture.

​Good luck and enjoy working with your child through this fun tracing book!