If any (or many!) of the challenges below resonant, then know you are not alone. In fact this path is full of parents and educators struggling to help kids build strong writing skills while balancing the need to keep up with advancing technology.

Common Writing Challenges
Poor or inconsistent letter formation patterns
Rigid or weak pencil grasp
Trouble using writing lines.
Difficulty sizing letters appropriately.
Poor spacing between letters and words.
Difficulty copying written work from near or far point.
No or limited margin use.
Reversal of letters and numbers.
Inconsistency with upper case/lower case letter use.
Difficulties with transferring practice into written work.
Trouble erasing completely.
Lack of awareness of pencil pressure.
Difficulties with attention to detail.
Difficulties regulating the environment and body.

Why does handwriting matter.

Basic handwriting skills are vital for students to be successful in school and in life. Despite the advances in technology, handwriting remains an important developmental skill (Feder, Majneemer 2007).
A recent survey of K-5 teachers reported that writing on paper happens during a major part of the elementary school day (worksheets, journaling, taking notes and writing exams) In fact handwriting work increases as students progress through elementary grades. (Handwriting Without Tears, 2018). * survey completed with 459 teachers in 2013.
It is often observed that a student’s ability to competently perform handwriting tasks has an effect on self-image, academic achievement, attitude and behaviour (Feder Majneemer 2007).
Learning handwriting has been shown to have a positive impact on the developing brain. MRI scans show that practicing letters by hand ( compared to looking at letters) increased neural activity (Handwriting Without Tears 2019). Further, evidence supported the idea that printing letters by hand paved the way to creating brain connects needed for reading (James. 2017).

Handwriting and related fine motor control problems are a primary reason for referral to occupational therapy, even with the advent of new technologies and digital tools.

Occupational therapists are not handwriting teachers or education specialists but they are experienced and often specialized in development, motor skills, visual processing, self-awareness, sensory processing, and regulation.

What skills are needed to be successful at handwriting?

( Questions an OT may ask and skills an OT will observe when putting together a plan for writing growth and improvement)

Postural control and stability: Can the child maintain a strong and comfortable position so that they can use their fingers well?

Visual processing skills: Can the child tell the difference between letters? For example a, b, d, p and q?

Bilateral coordination: Can the child use and coordinate both sides of their body for: posture, holding & moving the paper, crossing midline, using tools in both hands, etc.

Visual memory: Can the child retrieve a clear picture in the mind of a letter pattern, word sequence, or memory strategy?

Fine motor skills: Can the child hold and use their writing tool?

Eye hand coordination Can the child use their eyes and hands together to copy work and accurately replicate the things they see?

Visual Attention: Does the child pay attention to the lines and margins on a page?

Sensory Regulation: Can the child focus on the important information and ignore or dampen the distracting information?

Things to Remember:

It is important that kids learn proper letter formation. When kids learn improper formation of letters ( starting letters at the bottom or “ building the parts of a letter” it can be really hard to break those patterns later on.
It is hard to learn how to print and form meaningful formation patterns if the child can not name or identify letters.
Kids need to learn pre-printing lines and shapes before they can be expected to form accurate letters and numbers (for more information refer to our pre-printing resource, January 2021)
We first learn to imitate ( mimic after shown), then copy (draw using a visual model) , then draw from memory.

Path Printing Strategies
Best practice methods to improve skills.

Varied positions.

To work on postural control, upper extremity strength, fine motor skills and letter formation patterns complete activities in a variety of positions. Ex: laying on the tummy, at the easel, on a vertical white board, at a child sized table.

Varied tools.
Using different tools ( markers, crayons, window writers, pencils, paint, chalk, etc) is not only fun but it provides our brains and muscles with different kinds of feedback. Similarly it challenges our grasp skills to adapt and grow.

Consistent verbal cueing:

Cuing and child-friendly language that is consistent, predictable and easy to remember helps students recall patterns easily and quickly.

Developmental approach.

Start with a no-paper, no pencil approach and build letters using manipulatives, ex. sticks, putty, magnets, etc. Path often utilizes many Handwriting Without Tears (R) materials and tools. Manipulatives capture a child’s attention and help build important fine motor skills in preparation for handwriting learning.

Teach letters in a predictable order and one that matches development. Start with vertical lines, they are the simplest. Progress to other letters and letter groups as they increase in formation and complexity,

Letter learning part of daily routines

Letters, numbers and language are everywhere. Incorporate learning and discussion as you go throughout your day. Draw letters in the air on a car ride, make letters in flour while baking, and draw letters with a flashlight on the ceiling at night.

Ask questions, get feedback, review

Kids are quick and savy learners. Ask questions. What do you think? What letter was your best? What strategy did you use to remember?

Have fun.

Playful and imaginative settings don’t always lead to strong printers but it certainly keeps them coming back for more. Use curiosity and novel activities to your advantage.

*Research is varied and often inconclusive on the best way to teach printing skills. Path uses a combination of multi-sensory and cognitive based strategies.

Connect with Path

If you would like to learn more about verbal cues used when teaching printing, how to group and organize letters for easy learning, new ideas for multi-sensory practice or are craving ways to help a learner with letter size or spacing troubles, please connect with us. Path has a range of ways to support you and your child.

Connect with Path

Cited Resources:

James, Karin H. 2017. “ The Importance of Handwriting Experience on the Development of the Literate Brain.” Current Directions in Psychological Science 26, no 6: 502-508.

Feder K., Majnemer A. (2007) Handwriting development, competency, and intervention. Developmental Medicine & Child Neurology. 49: 312-317.

“Research Review. ” 2018. Handwriting Without Tears. Research Review. https://www.lwtears.com/sites/default/files/HWTEfficacy_1.17.19_web.pdf