Pencil Pressure Activities
To develop controlled pencil pressure through activities targeting pressure awareness.
- Framework: EYFS
- Unit: EYFS Physical Development
- Learning area: Physical Development
- Level: EYFS Reception
Objectives
- Controls pencil pressure deliberately
- Produces varied pressure marks
- Writes with appropriate pressure
- Self-assesses pressure quality
Materials
- Soft pencils (HB and 2B)
- Pressure activity sheets
- Carbon paper for pressure feedback
- Tracing paper
Instructions
USING CARBON PAPER: Place carbon paper under writing paper. 'Press hard — does it go through to the paper underneath? Press gently — can you make it NOT go through?' Instant feedback on pressure.
LIGHT-DARK GRADIENTS: 'Start pressing hard and gradually press lighter. Can you make a gradient from dark to light?' This develops subtle pressure control.
CONNECTING TO WRITING: 'When you write, you need medium pressure — not too hard (hand gets tired), not too light (can't read it).'
SELF-ASSESSMENT: 'Look at your writing. Is it too light? Too dark? Just right? How does your hand feel?' Developing self-awareness of pressure.