Handwriting: What’s The Point?

Photo Credit: Rifka Schonfeld

Just Sloppy Letters?

If your child is just dealing with regular handwriting struggles and not with one of the disorders above, here are some suggestions that can help him write more clearly and correctly:

• If your child forgets to leave spaces between words, have him place a Cheerio (or M&M) between each of the words as he is writing a sentence. When he is done with the sentence, he can eat the snack.
• If your child mixes up b’s and d’s, come up with a trick to help him remember the direction. For instance, tell him “little b is the big B with his top circle chopped off.”
• If your child has an awkward grip, give him the tip of a piece of chalk or crayon. Children will automatically move their fingers into a tripod pose. Also, provide your child with lots of sensory experiences such as moving play dough and clay with his hands. This will help develop motor skills.

Reading and writing are the keys to success in school and in life. Help your child gain those skills. There might just be a point to handwriting after all.