Handwriting

Jane Warrenjcw12@soton.ac.ukEducation 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 gripFor a right-hander (diagram) and left-hander (photo)

Handwriting patternsThese 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.

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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…

DictationA ‘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

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ResourcesYounger 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.