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Handwriting helps children learn a lot more about how they will handle a pen in their hands, and it’s a good time to help your child with their writing ability as well. To improve a child’s handwriting there are a number of methods you can try to help pick up a pen confidently. Here are some top tips that this prep school in Twickenham recommends.
Practice writing in pencil
Having a pencil means you’re more comfortable to try out writing by hand until you’re more comfortable. This is where your child can unwind a little bit to see what their handwriting looks like at first and then move comfortably onto writing with a pen.
Pencils can be easily rubbed out so it’s a good place to start. Children can make a mess on the page and make spelling errors as well so that it’s easier to adapt to their own personal approach to handwriting.
Use a pen grip
When your child feels more comfortable to write with their pen you can buy a grip for them to use. This slides onto their pen so that they feel like they aren’t going to slip as they write and allows them to feel more comfortable handwriting. They also help your child’s hand muscles with the support of the grip. Once your child is more comfortable with their handwriting they can take the grip away to get used to writing with other pens and pencils they will have to use.
Help your child with their line spacing
Line spacing is also part of a child’s handwriting skills. Have a look at how your child writes on the paper - is there a slant to their writing or are they hunched over the desk? If you highlight the lines in a different way they might find it easier to follow - like using puffy paint, or having a coloured pen bring them out. Another way is to use a ruler to help them stick between a particular space - they can then see what letters are written too big, or when their writing gets a bit too small to read.
Having poor handwriting doesn’t mean your child will fall behind in a school setting, but it helps to have a good grasp of it early on. It will show to your child’s teachers what they do know, but it’s not a bad idea to talk to their teachers about their progress too. They may be able to offer some extra support, should your child be really struggling with their writing ability. It never hurts to raise the question if it means your child has a better chance at improving their work in the classroom.
