10 Handwriting Games for the Classroom

Handwriting is an essential skill taught in the classroom, but keeping students engaged in practice can sometimes be challenging. As a teacher, you can transform handwriting exercises into exciting activities with engaging, educational games.  

Pediatric Therapeutic Services (PTS) supports educators and students with therapeutic solutions that enhance learning and create an accessible environment for all students to thrive.  

1. Alphabet Race  

This game encourages students to race through the alphabet. Each student must write each letter of the alphabet in order as quickly and neatly as possible. The fastest to finish, with the clearest handwriting, wins the race.  

2. Handwriting Bingo  

Take a classic bingo game and make it educational! Write handwriting challenges in each bingo square, such as “write the letter ‘S’ in cursive” or “create a sentence with five words.” When students complete a task, they mark off that square. The first student to get a row filled wins. This game can easily be customized to accommodate different skill levels. 

3. Word Scramble  

Inspired by popular spelling and handwriting games, Word Scramble challenges students to unscramble letters to form words. Once they’ve unscrambled the letters, they must write the word out in their best handwriting. This activity reinforces spelling, handwriting, and critical thinking skills.  

4. Letter Matching  

This game involves a set of cards with both uppercase and lowercase letters. Students must match the uppercase letter with its corresponding lowercase letter and then practice writing both forms of the letter. This activity helps students improve their recognition and writing of both letter cases.  

5. Handwriting Hot Potato  

Based on a popular classroom game, students pass around a small object (like a beanbag) while music plays. When the music stops, the student holding the “hot potato” must write a letter, word, or sentence on the board or paper. This fast-paced game adds excitement to handwriting practice while promoting quick thinking.  

6. Rainbow Writing  

Inspired by creativity-based handwriting exercises, this game allows students to write the same word or sentence multiple times using different colored pencils or markers. This helps students practice neatness while allowing them to express creativity.  

7. Sentence Builders  

A game inspired by structured writing exercises, Sentence Builders helps students practice their handwriting by forming complete sentences. Students arrange a set of words or phrases on cards to form a meaningful sentence. Then, they write it out neatly, reinforcing both handwriting and grammar skills.  

8. Trace and Copy  

This game focuses on practicing letter formation by tracing over dotted lines of letters or words. Once students are comfortable, they try to write the same letters independently. Tracing and copying letters or words helps with letter recognition and formation, and this game can be customized for any grade level.  

9. Flashcard Frenzy  

This game displays flashcards with various words or letters for students to see. After briefly viewing the card, students must write down what they saw in their best handwriting. This game can help improve memory, spelling, and penmanship simultaneously.  

10. Draw and Write  

This creative game involves drawing a picture that represents a specific word and writing a sentence or story about the drawing. For example, students might draw a dog and write, “The dog ran fast in the park.” This game helps students improve their writing skills and creativity while making handwriting practice more enjoyable.  

Improve Your Students’ Handwriting Skills with Fun Classroom Games  

Improving handwriting skills can be fun and interactive when you incorporate these creative games into your classroom routine. As teachers, it’s important to make handwriting enjoyable so students look forward to improving their skills. Incorporating multi-sensory learning strategies that blend visual, auditory, and tactile experiences can further enhance skill acquisition by connecting movement with cognitive development. 

Start using these games to boost your students’ handwriting while having fun in the classroom! Looking for more ways to support your students? Contact PTS for additional resources and tools to make learning more effective.