by: Lindsay Hutton
Incorrect Grip
However, as with most developmental stages, this varies from child to child. The tripod-style grip is considered most efficient in helping your child master how to write neatly and at a reasonable speed without his or her hand tiring easily. If your child is finding it difficult to master the tripod-style grip, this printable worksheet can help him or her learn the correct way to hold a pen or pencil. A pencil gripper can also be helpful.
Sizing and Spatial Concepts
Slope sheets can help with keeping his or her letters consistent. Some sheets also have a third dotted line through the middle to help your child with sizing upper and lower case letters. Remind your child that all parts of a letter must touch, so there are no gaps. Practice makes perfect! Find time every day to have your child practice his or her letters but keep the exercises short and fun so he or she doesn't get burned out or frustrated.
Letter or Number Reversals
Finger tracing is a simple exercise to help children visually learn the correct way to write letters early on. Once your child is comfortable with this exercise, move on to pencil-tracing the alphabet. Multi-sensory activities, like writing with his or her finger in sand or with chalk, is another great way to help him or her memorize the correct way to write his or her letters.
Messy or Illegible Handwriting
The first step to help messy handwriting is to take your child for a vision test to rule out bad eyesight as the culprit. If his or her vision is fine, timed writing exercises can help improve his or her handwriting at faster speeds.
Have him or her select a short passage — about three or four sentences — from their favorite book, and ask him or her to write it as fast as he or she can while you time them. Repeat this exercise one or two times a day for three or four days. Once he or she masters the passage, choose a new one and repeat the exercise. You should begin to see improvements. (A little reward after you've finished the exercise can also be a strong motivator to help improve, too!)
Apathy or Anxiety About Writing
Make sure your child has ample opportunities to write without the pressure of a homework assignment or school project, and provide a comfortable environment conducive to creativity. Provide easy access to writing supplies, and plenty of room to spread out in a well-lit space. Encourage your child's imagination by creating stories, plays, and other activities that require him or her to write.
