Handwriting
Is it ever just handwriting? No! We should NOT be used as handwriting teachers !
When looking at poor handwriting skills the following factors should be considered:
1. Age/Grade
2. Cognitive ability
3. Fine motor skills- grasping skills
4. Visual processing skills
5. Attention and focus to task
6. Upper Body and Core strength
7. Ability to self-regulate
8. Do they integrate both side of their body when writing (dominant hand writes, non dominant hand stabilizes paper)
For older children…
1. Can they sometimes produce legible writing? If so possible attention/behavior issue
2. What is their developmental history?
3. Do they have good control of the pencil? Grasp DOES NOT dictate legibility, however they need to have good control
4. Do they rush through their work?
5. Is writing a preferred task?
6. How does their writing impact them academically?
7. Did they ever receive formal handwriting instruction? What is their school experience ?
When looking at poor handwriting skills the following factors should be considered:
1. Age/Grade
2. Cognitive ability
3. Fine motor skills- grasping skills
4. Visual processing skills
5. Attention and focus to task
6. Upper Body and Core strength
7. Ability to self-regulate
8. Do they integrate both side of their body when writing (dominant hand writes, non dominant hand stabilizes paper)
For older children…
1. Can they sometimes produce legible writing? If so possible attention/behavior issue
2. What is their developmental history?
3. Do they have good control of the pencil? Grasp DOES NOT dictate legibility, however they need to have good control
4. Do they rush through their work?
5. Is writing a preferred task?
6. How does their writing impact them academically?
7. Did they ever receive formal handwriting instruction? What is their school experience ?
