Handwriting

Jane Warrenjcw12@soton.ac.uk

Education School

Fine Motor Skills/Handwriting

Teach and model fully cursive script from the start

Teach finger use for word spacing

Use pencil grip/ triangular pen/pencil

Make free flowing pens available (fountain pens can impede flow of writing and prove fiddly for some pupils)

Allow use of coloured pens if suitable for task (can help with organisation)

Use clipboard to anchor paper

Blu-Tack paper to desk/surface

Correct pen grip

For a right-hander (diagram) and left-hander (photo)

Handwriting patterns

These eight patterns form the basis of all letter shapes.

Use them with chalk/paint/crayons/plasticine/wire etc;

Try them large/small - on lined/plain/textured/poster size/ ‘sentence strips’ paper

use in playground (if allowed)

create border margin around writing paper and use patterns on them to ‘frame’ work.

5

Good practice in handwriting

Avoid pupil copying from board. Either use a desk copy or get pupil to read notes to TA who scribes for her/him

Use colour markers for starting point on paper e.g. red margin on left side (or ‘traffic lights’ green to red)

Check for correct pencil grip at regular intervals, reward.

Check correct sitting position, reward.

Ensure elbow room is adequate.

Ensure chair height is suitable for desk.

Multisensory methods for letter formation e.g. sand tray, ‘Rol’n’Write’, stencils, air writing, on desk, with water, paint, chalk, crayon, washing-up bottles…

Dictation

A ‘Spelling MadeEasy’ dictation before and after…..

Dictation can be used to practise the skillof handwritingwithout contentconcerns.

More handwriting tips

Use sloping surface (especially if left-handed) such as an A4 folder turned sideways

Use lined paper or guidelines for plain paper

Use right angle e.g. edge of desk, easel, to line up

Leave a line between writing lines

Use squared paper for columns e.g. maths

Encourage firm hold with non-writing hand

Use special handwriting paper for correct placement when practising handwriting

8

Resources

Younger learners

http://www.nha-handwriting.org.uk/

http://www.anythingleft-handed.co.uk/kids_help.html

http://www.debbiehepplewhitehandwriting.com/index.html

http://www.cursivewriting.org/debbie-hepplewhite-handwriting.html

Older learners

http://www.tigerpens.co.uk/blog/thick-or-thin-choosing-the-right-pen-for-your-hand/

Sassoon, R. (2010) Improve your handwriting. London: Teach Yourself.