The development of the number 8 is a captivating point on children's handwriting path as it is the first number that calls for the smooth and continuous motion of two connected loops. In order to write the number 8, start at the top center, curve down to the left, curve up through the middle, cross itself and curve all the way around to the bottom and then back to the top.
There is a great reliance on the pencil grip to achieve this graceful "S" and loop structure; children need to hold the pencil with a relaxed, yet firm, grip between the thumb and index finger with the pencil resting gently on the middle finger to allow their wrist to have the flexibility to make these rounded, sweeping strokes without the pencil grip tightening up in the hand. Here, the importance of rewriting can't be emphasized enough—the number 8 is a complicated figure that requires all muscles to maintain symmetry and balance between the upper and lower circles, and nothing but muscle memory can do that. Performing the practice session again and again gives the learner the chance to practice and perfect the accuracy of the transition at the center crossing. On repeated, purposeful practice of this series of curves, the movement slowly evolves into a confident, smooth and rhythmic movement and the child develops a mathematical vocabulary and an increasing understanding of fine motor control.
There is a great reliance on the pencil grip to achieve this graceful "S" and loop structure; children need to hold the pencil with a relaxed, yet firm, grip between the thumb and index finger with the pencil resting gently on the middle finger to allow their wrist to have the flexibility to make these rounded, sweeping strokes without the pencil grip tightening up in the hand. Here, the importance of rewriting can't be emphasized enough—the number 8 is a complicated figure that requires all muscles to maintain symmetry and balance between the upper and lower circles, and nothing but muscle memory can do that. Performing the practice session again and again gives the learner the chance to practice and perfect the accuracy of the transition at the center crossing. On repeated, purposeful practice of this series of curves, the movement slowly evolves into a confident, smooth and rhythmic movement and the child develops a mathematical vocabulary and an increasing understanding of fine motor control.
