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Gross motor warm-ups are a vital foundation for successful handwriting when children are learning to write. Not only do they help build up the muscles that children need for handwriting, but they also help support motor planning and can even build confidence when they do pick up a pencil to write.
Let’s take a look at some specific gross motor warm-up activities before learning how to write cursive.
Studies have indicated that learning cursive has been useful in the enhancement of the brain (especially speech memory, memory and fine motor skills). (The Popularity of Cursive Handwriting & The Advantage’ of Cursive Handwriting to Your Brain).
Cursive may be an excellent alternative and particularly so to children who may be having difficulty with print. To write by hand, they have to lift the pencil several times to write a letter.This requires a lot of muscle memory practice and can be frustrating for some students. Cursive letters are one continuous flow and can be easier for some children who struggle with print letter formations. (Why Cursive Writing Is Still Essential for Student Success).
Some experts believe that cursive handwriting can be a good option for children who struggle with dyslexia or dysgraphia. (The Writing Advantage: Cursive vs. Print)
Cursive Handwriting Warm-ups Activities
Let’s look at some specific cursive handwriting warm-up activity ideas.
Sky Writing with Giant Arm Movements
Have children trace large cursive letters in the air using their whole arm. Use both hands at once (mirrored) or one at a time. Say the letter names out loud as they draw them.
This builds shoulder and arm strength while reinforcing letter shapes. Air writing also supports motor planning and visual memory.
Fun twist: Use scarves, ribbon wands, or streamers for extra fun.
Wall Tracing with Cursive Patterns
Tape large paper to the wall and draw loops, waves, or connected curves (just like cursive warm-up lines). Have children trace over them using markers or their fingers.
Vertical surfaces naturally engage the core, shoulders, and wrist extension, perfect prep for seated table work.
Add-On: Turn it into a “path tracing” game with little bugs or animals that need to “crawl” along the loops. Using cars and having a race can also be an option.
Cursive Movement Paths (Floor Taping)
Use painter tape to make giant cursive shapes or letters on the ground. Children either walk, tip-toe, or scooter on the lines and repeat letter sound.
This game develops spatial awareness as well as coordination which are essential in fluent formation and connection of cursive letters.
Challenge: Add speed or direction games (“Now walk the path backwards!”).
Rainbow Arm Tracing
When children have a large wall letter, ask them to trace the same letter in a different color many times creating a rainbow effect with their markers or even chalk.
- Repetition is good practice in developing the muscle memory required in cursive.
- The color changes add visual tracking and a little extra fun.
Try It: Start with simple lowercase letters like “l,” “e,” or “c.”
Shoulder Rolls + Arm Wiggles (Quick Warm-Up Routine)
These 4 ideas are a great way to warm up the muscles for writing. It does not have to be specific to cursive, all handwriting practice can benefit from gross motor warm-ups.
- 10 big shoulder rolls
- 10 arm circles forward and backward
- 10 wrist flicks or “jellyfish hands”
- Shake out both arms like wet noodles
Fun twist: Put on music and turn it into a silly warm-up dance.
Benefits of Gross Motor Warm-Ups for Handwriting
Activate the Core and Postural Muscles
Hand writing does not start with the hands alone but the core is involved. The children require good postural control in order to sit upright and stabilize their trunk so that they may have their arms and hands free to execute fine motor work.
Gross motor exercises such as arm circles, wall push-ups or animal walks will work those large muscle groups to increase writing endurance.
Support Motor Planning and Body Awareness
Gross motor warm-ups help children develop proprioception (knowing where their body is in space) and motor planning (figuring out how to move their body to complete a task).
This is essential for tasks like:
- Aligning letters on a line
- Spacing words evenly
- Controlling pencil pressure
Wake Up the Shoulders, Arms, and Hands
Before fine motor control can happen, children need proximal stability — stability at the shoulder and upper arm — to support distal mobility (refined finger movement).
Gross motor warm-ups like shoulder rolls or rainbow tracing loosen up the upper body, improve joint stability, and can reduce fatigue during writing.
Help Regulate Energy and Focus
Movement gets the nervous system ready for learning.Whether a child needs to calm down, wake up, or reorganize their attention, gross motor warm-ups can be adapted:
- Slow, rhythmic movements calm and center
- Quick, bouncy actions alert and engage
- Heavy work like pushing or pulling regulates and grounds
They Build Confidence Through Success
Many children who struggle with handwriting also experience frustration and avoidance.
Gross motor warm-ups are fun, success-oriented, and low-pressure. This helps build momentum and boost confidence before the challenging fine motor work begins.
For more handwriting resources, check out the links below.
Hand Exercise Warm-Up Activity Cards – Instant Download – $10
Looking for an easy way to prep little hands for fine motor and handwriting success? These Hand Exercise Warm-Up Activity Cards are just what you need!
This digital set includes 11 engaging warm-up activities that target the shoulder, arm, and hand muscles—perfect for setting the stage for focused, successful learning.
Free Printable Handout of Gross Motor Exercises
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