SANDPAPER
This kinesthetic technique is helpful for students having trouble remembering how to write letters, words, short facts, etc. It is a replacement technique for the “writing in sand, Jell-O, sugar, shaving cream, etc.” that I was taught in college methods classes.
Every time I tried the Jell-O & shaving cream technique the students seemed so taken with the medium used that it did not seem to actually help with the subject or item I was trying to re-enforce or teach.
Here’s how it works:
Buy the coarsest sand paper you can find. It comes in approximately 8 1/2 X 11 inch sections.
Students put a piece of typing or newsprint paper over the sandpaper. (Do not write directly on the sandpaper, write on the paper) Students use a fresh piece of paper for each item studied.
Student procedures:
1. 
Write the word - letter - math fact etc. to be remembered
one time with a dark favorite colored crayon
(EYES OPEN) This wears crayons out but it’s worth it!
2. Rewrite the item 3 more times on the same paper
WITH EYES CLOSED OR
AVERTED
Some students are uncomfortable writing with their eyes actually closed so you might suggest they simply turn their eyes away. The idea here is to “force’ the child to remember the kinesthetic “feel” of the item studied.
Tell students they are practicing and it’s OK to open their eyes to check their own work. They will be checked by you later for
mastery.
Suggest students trace over their crayon writing saying the information aloud -- encourage them to use the index finger of their dominant hand but don't insist. (Some students really like this part, others may balk - don’t force it.)
3. 
Wait an appropriate length of time -- depending on the age of the child. Have the student demonstrate “mastery” by rewriting the item on the chalkboard or another piece of paper with
EYES CLOSED. (Auditory kids might repeat the information aloud to demonstrate learning the material.)
4. 
You can send sandpaper home for practice. Also, doing the same process on the sidewalk with chalk is a nice change. If you have rough walls, tape paper on the walls and use that too.
5. 
Caution;
Do not have children use this technique EVERY DAY. Keep it fun by not overdoing a good thing.
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ADDchoices@yahoo.com (316) 733-9532