What are Finger Spaces?
Finger spaces refer to the amount of space that needs to be left between words so that they can be read as individual units of meaning. Young children learning to write are first taught to put their finger on the page in between each word, to create the necessary spacing. This is an important skill and a Year 1 objective. By the end of Year 1, it is expected that all children will use finger spaces in their writing.
How Can You Encourage Children To Use Finger Spaces?
In class, we have various strategies to encourage finger spacing. These include:
Modelling the Use of Finger Spaces
Demonstrate using finger spaces when writing on the board by placing your index finger between words. It is important to exaggerate these spaces when demonstrating to help children to understand why there is a space in between each word.
Finger Space Tools
Providing children with a finger space tool for them to use instead of their finger. Have children place the tool in between each word to help them learn to place the correct amount of space between words.
Use Reminders and Prompts
Place writing prompts and fun reminders on children’s desks if they are forgetting to use finger spaces in their writing. Visual supports not only help children use finger spaces when writing but also act as visual reminders.
Today, the children were asked to try to read some sentences that did not have spaces between the words. This was tricky!
This activity helped to increase awareness of why spaces are necessary.
Ask the children to look for items at home that could be used as finger spacing tools.
