How Can I Help My Child Write Better?

Key takeaways:

Handwriting readiness varies from 3-6 years old. Do not force a child to write if he/she is not ready.

Handwriting is a complex skill that involves vision, eye-hand coordination, muscle memory, posture, body control, as well as pencil grasp and letter formation. It is an important skill to have for communication and written expression. This is why having a solid handwriting foundation is so important. In this article, we take a look at how caregivers can help their children to write better.

Handwriting readiness

Children need to develop some fundamental skills before they are able to write. They must be able to hold and move a pencil fluently to produce legible writing. Generally, a child is ready when he:

Understands the use of writing material
Has stability in his shoulder, forearm and wrist
Has strength and endurance in his hands
Has ability to reach, grasp and release
Establishes hand dominance
Is able to draw all the pre-writing strokes

Handwriting readiness varies from 3-6 years old. Do not force a child to write if he/she is not ready.

Pre-writing strokes

Children should be able to form these pre-writing strokes before they are asked to write.

Source: https://www.lizs-early-learning-spot.com/pre-writing-skills-essential-for-early-learners/

These pre-writing strokes are important because the letters of alphabets are made up of curves and lines that are straight or diagonal. Do not expect a child to write letters if he/she is unable to recognise them.

Different levels of writing instructions

Imitation (Demonstration)
The caregiver or teacher will demonstrate how to write the alphabets, and the child watches.
Copying
Child tries to write the alphabets without demonstration, and the caregiver or teacher watches.
Independent Work
The child writes the alphabets independently.

Strategies to support handwriting

Gross motor strengthening
- Pushing and pulling smaller trolleys or prams;
- Stretching
- Popping of bubbles in the air
- Cleaning the whiteboard with a duster
- Climbing ladders or monkey bars at the playground
- Playing bat games and ball games that involve throwing, catching and bowling
- Exercising with the hula hoop
Fine motor strengthening
- Squeezing items: rubber balls, soft balls, sponge and towels
- Baking: mixing, sifting, kneading and rolling
- Art and craft activities: peeling, tearing
- Squirting water from bottle sprays and water pistols
- Scrunching newspaper
Forming alphabets
- Use of play-doh, shaving cream and sand play to learn to make pre-writing strokes or letters.
- Baking alphabet cookies.
- Writing on wall during bath time.