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Putting spaces into your writing is an essential part of written communication. In the English language, it is used mostly to separate different words from each other. The blank area ( ) can also be used to separate sentences, syllables, and other written characters.
Spacing in writing is important because it tells the reader (or speaker) where to take a gap, or pause. After all, if you tried to read a speech without taking a pause between words, no one would understand you! Similarly, when you’re reading a written piece, it would be illegible if all the words continued on from each other.
Although spacing in writing can seem simple, a blank space can be complicated. Spacing in writing varies depending on the language, and the rules for the size of the space are not always the same. In typefaces, the spaces between characters or words can change depending on the letter. So, to simplify things, it's best to first learn to space at a consistent size.
There are different methods for teaching children to put spacing in writing. You might even suggest placing candy between words to encourage a gap. After that, why not eat them as a reward? However, one of the most useful methods is using finger spacing. This utilizes what you already have at your fingertips… your fingertips!
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 first-grade level objective. By the end of first grade, it is expected that all children will use finger spaces in their writing.
Teachers have various strategies to encourage finger spacing. These include:
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.
Providing children with a finger space tool, such as those below, 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.We have Spider Finger Spacers, as well as an Astronaut themed version.
Provide children with squared paper to begin with, and instruct children to leave one box open, to encourage children to leave a square between each word. Enlarge the boxes if necessary, especially for young writers.
Place writing prompts on small sticky notes 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.
Challenge your class to read sentences that don't have any spaces in them, to help increase awareness of why spaces are necessary. Why not have them re-write the words correctly afterwards?
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