Each letter is formed with one or more strokes. When students learn how to write the letters using large motor motions, they are able to more easily visualize each of the pieces and how they fit together to form the whole.
Small motor motions, on the other hand, are more abstract and less easy to visualize.
In addition, many young students do not have well-developed fine motor skills. By learning to write using large motor, they are still able to benefit from the kinesthetic component of writing, which helps them to internalize the shapes of the letters in the motor-sensory areas of their brain and recognize them for reading.
Students can then progress naturally to fine-motor writing with paper and pencil when they are ready to do so.
For this reason, both Foundations and Rhythm of Handwriting introduce how to write each letter starting with large motor movements. Foundations students (and any young children using Rhythm of Handwriting) can then continue practicing with large motor movements as long as needed, while students who already have strong fine motor skills can transition to fine motor practice immediately after learning each letter.
Learn more: Ideas for Practicing Fine Motor Skills.