Tips For Parents To Support Kids’ Handwriting Development

Importance of Handwriting

Handwriting provides cognitive and motor benefits that typing simply cannot replicate. Handwriting helps children develop literacy skills, refine fine motor skills, and activates brain regions linked to reading and writing (Source: https://raisingchildren.net.au/toddlers/play-learning/learning-ideas/handwriting). The physical act of handwriting engages the brain in a way that typing does not, leading to improved memory and retention. Studies show that students who take notes by hand perform better on tests than those who take notes on a laptop (Source: https://parents.highlights.com/7-reasons-why-handwriting-important-kids).

Handwriting is also closely tied to academic success. Children must develop legible handwriting to communicate their ideas, take notes, and perform well on written assignments across subject areas. Research shows that handwriting instruction is critical for the development of reading and spelling skills (Source: https://www.readingrockets.org/topics/writing/articles/importance-teaching-handwriting). While typing certainly has its place, mastering handwriting early on provides children with a vital tool for learning.

When to Start

The ideal age range to begin teaching handwriting is between 3 and 5 years old (source). Around age 3, children start showing signs of handwriting readiness as their fine motor skills develop. They enjoy drawing, scribbling, and tracing shapes. Between ages 4 and 5, children have developed more precise control and can start properly grasping a pencil and forming some letters and numbers (source).

Signs that a child is ready to start handwriting include being able to hold a pencil correctly between their thumb and forefinger in a tripod grasp, trace basic shapes, draw crosses and circles, copy some letters or numbers, show interest in writing and recognizing letters, and demonstrate sufficient finger dexterity and wrist control.

Proper Pencil Grip

Using the proper pencil grip is crucial for effective handwriting. The recommended grip for kids is the tripod grip, where the pencil rests on the middle finger and is stabilized between the thumb and index finger. This allows for greater control and fluidity in writing movements (RCH, n.d.).

Other types of grips like the fist grip or five-finger grip can lead to tense muscles, illegible writing, and hand fatigue. If a child refuses to hold the pencil correctly, gently shape their fingers into the tripod position each time they pick up the pencil. Verbally prompt them to use the “pinchy” grip each time as well (Today’s Parent, 2022).

Troubleshooting grip issues requires patience and consistency. Try different pencil sizes and shapes until one feels comfortable. Add a pencil gripper for extra stability. Take frequent breaks to relax the hand. In each session, gently mold the fingers back into the tripod grip. Over time and with positive reinforcement, the proper grip will become habit (RCH, n.d.).

Paper Positioning

Properly positioning the paper is crucial for comfortable handwriting and legible letters. The paper should be angled depending on whether your child is right or left-handed.

For right-handed writers, angle the top right corner of the paper down towards the writing arm. This allows the right hand to move across the page without the forearm dragging. Left-handed writers should angle the paper the opposite way, with the top left corner tilted down (Positioning the paper correctly for handwriting).

Angling the paper avoids awkward wrist and arm positions for both left and right-handed kids. It encourages a proper tripod grasp and smooth, relaxed writing motions. Tape a worksheet or coloring page on a vertical surface to practice proper wrist positioning (Left-Handed Handwriting Tips & Guide).

Letter Formation

Proper letter formation is crucial for developing good handwriting skills. Children should first learn how to form uppercase letters, then lowercase letters. For both uppercase and lowercase, it’s important to teach kids the correct stroke order and direction when forming letters.

According to experts, teaching uppercase letters first helps reinforce the basic shapes and lines that are required to form most letters (The OT Toolbox, 2022). For instance, letters like A, E, F, H, I, J, L, T, U, V, W and X all contain straight vertical lines. Knowing how to draw straight vertical lines from top to bottom makes it easier to then learn the lowercase versions of those letters.

When teaching lowercase letters, you’ll want to group letters that are formed using similar strokes and patterns (Begin Learning, 2022). For example:

• c, a, d, g, o, q – Start at the top and move clockwise
• i, j, l, t, u- Start at the top and move downwards
• m, n, h, r, b – Start at the top and move down then back up
• p, f – Start at the top and move down, then up and around
• s, e, – Start in the middle and move up and around clockwise
• k, x- Diagonal strokes crossing

When showing the proper way to form letters, physically draw the letter while saying the stroke out loud (e.g. “Start at the top and move down”). You can also have kids trace letter outlines or dotted lines to practice the correct movements.

Reinforcing stroke order and direction from the start prevents kids from forming bad habits that are hard to correct later on.

Starting Slow

When children first start learning how to write, it’s important to focus on accuracy over speed. Proper letter formation should be practiced repeatedly before working up to writing full words and sentences. As Teaching handwriting – a stroke based approach explains, starting with the basic strokes ensures children learn the correct sequence right from the start. Building muscle memory for each letter’s strokes through repetition lays the foundation for good handwriting.

Rushing children to write quickly often results in sloppy letter formation that becomes a habit. Going slow allows time to think about each stroke and proper pencil grip. Speed can be built up over weeks and months once accuracy is solidified. Remind children that neat and careful handwriting is more important than fast handwriting, especially when first starting out. With consistent practice, their handwriting skills and speed will gradually improve.

Making It Fun

Handwriting practice doesn’t have to feel like a chore. There are many fun apps, games, and activities that can help make developing handwriting skills enjoyable for kids. Some ideas include:

Handwriting Without Tears apps like Wet-Dry-Try and Letter School that use songs, colors, and drawing tools to teach letter formation (Source).

Using sensory materials like shaving cream, salt, glitter, or Wikki Stix to practice tracing and forming letters (Source). The textures make writing multisensory.

Games like dot-to-dot, mazes, and tracing around stencils to strengthen pencil control.

Drawing pictures and writing stories about them to make writing purposeful.

Matching capital and lowercase letter cards in a memory game.

Using apps like Endless Alphabet and Endless Reader that combine letter practice with phonics and reading.

Making letter formation physical with skywriting, big arm movements, or writing in sand or soil.

Setting up invitations to write like notepads, envelopes, calendars, and diaries around the house.

With creativity and variety, parents can make developing handwriting skills fun rather than a source of frustration.

Extra Practice

It is recommended that children practice handwriting daily for 15-30 minutes each day (Kids Handwriting Practice 6 to 7 years). Schools often provide limited handwriting instruction and practice time, sometimes as little as 15 minutes per week (Handwriting Practice 8 to 11 years). To improve handwriting skills, integrate extra practice throughout the day.

Have kids trace letters or words during downtime. Handwriting practice can be built into everyday routines like making a shopping list, writing thank you notes, or keeping a journal. Make it fun by using colored pencils, gel pens, or finger paints. Practice writing letters on different textures like sandpaper, shaving cream, or rice. Use iPad apps for portable practice opportunities. The key is providing frequent, short periods of quality handwriting practice.

Troubleshooting Issues

Some key handwriting issues that parents may notice in their children include reversals, poor spacing, and messy writing.

Reversals

Reversals refer to writing letters or numbers backwards, such as writing a “b” instead of a “d.” This is common in young children as they are still gaining mastery of directionality and letter formation. However, if reversals persist past age 7 or 8, it could signify an underlying issue like dyslexia (source). Parents can help kids avoid reversals by modeling proper letter strokes and encouraging children to say each letter aloud as they write it.

Poor Spacing

Inconsistent spacing between letters or words is another common handwriting difficulty. Children may cram letters too close together or leave too much space between words. To improve, parents can provide handwriting paper with lines or grids to show proper letter height and word spacing. Slowing down writing speed can also help children focus on spacing.

Messy Writing

Illegible writing is frustrating for kids and parents alike. Sloppy handwriting may stem from weak fine motor skills, improper pencil grip, or letter formation issues. Parents can have kids trace letters and intentionally write more neatly. Hand strengthening exercises like play-dough, squeezing stress balls, and using clothespins can also help tighten little hand muscles. Consistent practice and encouragement are key.

When to Get Help

If your child continues to struggle with handwriting skills despite your support, it may be time to seek professional help. Some signs that may indicate an underlying issue like dysgraphia or fine motor delay include:

• Messy writing or letter/number reversals past age 7
• Inability to copy letters or words accurately
• Awkward, “claw-like” pencil grip
• Avoidance of writing or drawing activities
• Slow or laborious writing

If you notice any of these issues persisting, an occupational therapy evaluation can help identify the root cause. An occupational therapist can then provide customized treatment to improve handwriting, through techniques like:

• Fine motor skill exercises
• sensory integration activities
• Pencil grip training
• Handwriting drills
• Positioning and posture adjustment

Early intervention is key, so don’t hesitate to have your child evaluated if you have ongoing concerns about their handwriting. An OT can help get them back on track for school success.