New Approaches to Writing

I believe learning should be fun. I believe writing should have purpose. The boys are not excited about worksheets which we have currently deemed "low grade clerical work". However, writing has become very important lately in chess. Their chess class is working on writing notations which is really important in case there should be discrepancies in the game. The boys are becoming better at writing their letters and numbers in small spaces, especially A-H and 1-8. The lines of the paper are like notebook paper. They are also writing chess symbols queen side castle, king side castle, check, checkmate, and take.
We use sand paper letters which they trace with their fingers. Then they draw it with their fingers in powdered jello. You can also use sand or rice.