Is this normal?

kit_kats_mom wrote: Katherine is doing great with her reading. She does something that I find a bit odd though. Whenever she is reading, she will trace the letter with her finger while making the sound. She also traces letters in the air when she's asked to spell a word, like in the car. Is this normal? I'm figuring that she's just cementing the sound, shape and letter in her brain but I've never seen it before...not like I've been exposed to kids that much. LOL

Maddie&EthansMom replied: Yes! Very normal! I think it's great that she is familiarizing herself with the letters, sounds, etc. Could they be teaching this technique at her school? I know they stressed this a lot Maddie's kindergarten year.

I don't trace the letters with my fingers, but when I'm thinking about how something is spelled I visualize in my head writing the actual word. I bet K will be a strong speller. I did trace the letters and draw the words in the air as a child, though.

kit_kats_mom replied: Thanks Aimee. It helps to know that she's not a total wierdo. LOL At least I know on normal adult who did it too.

Maddie&EthansMom replied: Well, I don't know that I'm all that normal. But, I think anything that helps her read, write and spell is just fine. Does she love to read?

MommyToAshley replied: She is probably going to be a very visual person. People learn better in different ways... DH can read a programming book and learn the language that way. I need to watch a video or have someone demonstrate it... I am more visual.

Ashley doesn't trace the words when she reads, but she does draw letters in the air when she spells words. I think it is normal... and sounds like she is doing great with reading and spelling.

Jamison'smama replied: Jama draws them in the air too! And she loves to demonstrate it as well---"wanna see me write my name in the air?"

My3LilMonkeys replied: I still write in the air if I'm trying to spell a word that is difficult for me.

luvbug00 replied: yep mya did it too.... still does somtimes actually.

redchief replied: I'm with Dee Dee on this, Cary. I think everything is fine and she's, as you have observed, cementing the letter into her brain.

jcc64 replied: I just learned about different learning styles and kinds of intelligences in my ed class, Cary.
Sounds like she's a visual learner, which is VERY common. It's helpful to know how she learns best, then you can tailor your "lessons" to suit her strengths.

msoulz replied: LOL, I"m 41 and I still trace letters in the air! It helps me visualize a word if I am having trouble with its spelling. I hope it's normal!!

amynicole21 replied:
I was going to say the same thing. She needs something concrete to help her remember/conceptualize. Same as counting on your fingers I think. Very normal.

CantWait replied: This is how I teach Anthony when we do his letter cards. We say the letter and trace it. I do this in hopes that it will help him when writting his letters etc..