Handwriting is an essential skill that kids require in order to perform efficiently in academics and also in their daily life. Many kids find handwriting difficult as it involves different components like fine motor skills, hand strength, visual motor skills, visual-spatial skills, grasping skills, and attention. However, there are a number of ways that help to improve these skills to hone a kid’s handwriting.
What Are Handwriting Skills?
Handwriting is a complex skill that requires the use of both fine and gross motor skills. Handwriting is also a visual-motor skill, meaning that it requires coordination between what we see and what we do with our hands. Because of this, handwriting can be a challenge for some children.
Important Pre-Writing Skills for Improved Handwriting
Pre-writing skills are the basic skills to hold a writing utensil properly. These skills help one to be able to write, copy and color. When a child writes, they use a combination of gross motor skills, fine motor skills, and visual-motor skills. So, it is important that a child masters these skills before they start learning how to write letters.
Some of the pre-writing skills that should be mastered are as follows:
Gross and Fine Motor Skills
Gross motor skills are the bigger movements of the muscles in our arms and legs. These skills allow us to be able to ride a bike, run and jump. Fine motor skills are the smaller movements that we use with our hands, such as holding a pencil and writing.
Visual-Motor Skills
Visual-motor skills are the coordination between what we see and what we do with our hands. For example, when we are coloring inside the lines of a picture.
Visual Perceptual Skills
Visual perceptual skills are the ability to see and understand what we see. For example, being able to copy a picture from a coloring book.
Postural Control
Postural control is the ability to sit or stand in a stable position. This skill allows us to be able to have good handwriting.
Bilateral Coordination
Bilateral coordination is the use of both sides of our body together. For example, using both hands together to clap or wash our hair.
Language Skills
Language skills are the ability to understand and use words. These skills allow us to be able to follow directions and understand what we read or hear.
Bilateral Hand Skills
Bilateral hand skills are the ability to use both hands together. For example, using both hands to hold a pencil and write.
Number and Letter Recognition
Number and letter recognition is the ability to see and understand numbers and letters. These skills allow kids to be able to read and write. With these skills, children become able to put letters and numbers together to make words.
Motor memory
Motor memory is essential for the development of muscle memory, which is necessary for proper and consistent handwriting. Motor memory is the ability to remember how to do a movement. For example, remembering how to hold a pencil or how to form a certain letter.
Handwriting Development
Once a child has developed the pre-writing skills, they can then start to develop their handwriting skills. Handwriting is the process of getting the muscles in our hands and fingers to remember how to make certain shapes to form letters.
There are three stages of handwriting development. These are as follows:
Pre-Production Stage
The pre-production stage is when a child is just starting to learn how to write. At this stage, a child will use large arm and wrist movements to make shapes. A child will also use their whole hand to grip the pencil.
Production Stage
The production stage is when a child starts to use their fingers more and their arm and wrist movements become smaller. A child will also start to hold the pencil with their thumb and first two fingers.
Transitional Stage
The transitional stage is when a child starts to use the tripod grip. The tripod grip is when the pencil is held between the thumb, forefinger, and middle finger. This is the stage where a child’s handwriting starts to look like their adult handwriting.
How can OTs Help With Handwriting?
Handwriting is a complex task that requires the use of many different skills. These skills include gross and fine motor skills, visual-motor skills, visual perceptual skills, postural control, and bilateral coordination. All of these skills are important for proper handwriting.
Pediatric occupational therapists can help improve handwriting by working on any of these fundamental skills. For example, if a child has poor fine motor skills, the OT may work on activities to improve these skills. The therapist may also work on visual-motor skills by having the child complete tasks that require him or her to use both vision and movement at the same time.
In addition to working on the basic skills needed for handwriting, the occupational therapist may also provide handwriting instruction. This may include teaching the child how to hold a pencil, how to form letters, and how to write in a straight line. The therapist may also provide tips on how to make handwriting fun and easier such as using an angled piece of paper or a pencil grip.
If your child has handwriting problems, an occupational therapist can help. By working on the underlying skills needed for handwriting and providing instruction and tips, the therapist can help your child improve their handwriting.
Occupational Therapy Handwriting Activities
There are various activities that an occupational therapist may use to help improve a child’s handwriting skills. Introducing fun ways to practice writing can make the process more enjoyable for both the child and the therapist. Some of the writing activities are as follows:
Tracing
Tracing is a great way to build fine motor skills needed for handwriting. The child can trace letters, shapes, or numbers. The therapist may also have the child trace lines of different widths to work on their pencil grip.
Writing in the Sand
Writing in the sand is another activity that can help improve the fine motor skills needed for handwriting. The child can use their fingers or a small tool to write in the sand.
Drawing
Drawing is an efficient way to work on visual-motor skills. The child can draw simple shapes or pictures. The therapist may also have the child copy letters or numbers.
Puzzles
Puzzles can help improve visual-motor skills and bilateral coordination. The child can put together simple puzzles or work on more complex ones.
Clay
Working with clay is a great way to improve the fine motor skills needed for handwriting. The child can use their hands or tools to mold the clay into different shapes.
Legos
Legos are a great way to work on bilateral coordination. The child can build simple structures or follow instructions to build more complex ones.
Tic-Tac-Toe
Tic-tac-toe is another fun activity to hone bilateral coordination and visual-motor integration skills. The child can play with a partner or the therapist. To make children practice
Follow the Leader
Follow the leader is another writing activity that an occupational therapist may use. The therapist will write a letter, shape, or number and the child will copy it. This activity can help improve fine motor skills, visual-motor skills, and pencil grip.
Simon Says
Simon says is a great way to work on gross motor skills, visual-motor skills, and bilateral coordination. Occupational therapists can use this game to have children practice various movement patterns. The child can follow the therapist’s commands or imitate the therapist’s actions.
Mother, May I?
Mother, May I is a great way to work on gross motor skills and postural control. The child can follow the therapist’s commands or imitate the therapist’s actions.
Red Light, Green Light
Red light, green light is a great activity to help children improve their gross motor skills and visual-motor integration skills. The child can follow the therapist’s commands or imitate the therapist’s actions.
Also, there are some more activities that help improve the skills needed for good handwriting such as fine motor skills, visual-motor skills, and bilateral coordination. These are as follows:
Pencil Pinch Activity
This activity works on the fine motor skills needed for handwriting. To do this activity, you will need a pencil and some putty. First, have your child make a small ball of putty. Then, have them use the thumb and index finger to pinch the putty and pick up the pencil. The child should then try to write with the pencil while still holding onto the putty. You can choose other fine motor activities as well.
Peg Board Activity
This is another writing activity that works on fine motor skills. For this activity, you will need a peg board and some pegs. The child will start by picking up a peg with the thumb and forefinger and placing it into one of the holes in the peg board. The child should then try to do this as quickly as possible. The more your child gets engaged with such fine motor tasks, the better.
Skip Counting Activity
One of the most fun handwriting activities is known as “Skip Counting.” This activity works on a child’s gross motor skills and helps to improve their coordination. The therapist will start by writing numbers on a piece of paper. The child will then need to jump up and down, touch their toes, or do another gross motor activity. As they are doing this, they will need to count by 2s, 3s, or 4s.
This activity can be made more challenging by increasing the number of repetitions or by adding an obstacle course.
Dot-to-Dot Activity
Another exercise that can be used to improve visual-motor skills is the dot-to-dot activity. For this activity, the child will connect dots on a piece of paper to form a picture. This requires the child to use both vision and motor skills at the same time.
Bilateral Coordination Activity
This activity works on the bilateral coordination needed for handwriting. To do this, you will need two pieces of paper and two pencils. The child will start by holding one pencil in each hand. They will then place one piece of paper under each hand. The child should try to write his or her name with one hand while also writing the same thing with the other hand.
This may be difficult at first but with practice, it will get easier.
These are just a few of the many activities that an occupational therapist may use to help improve a child’s handwriting skills. By incorporating fun and engaging activities, the child can build skills while also enjoying the process.
Few Handwriting Activities to Practice at Home
There are many activities that can help children develop their handwriting skills. These activities help to develop the muscles in the hands and fingers.
Here are some handwriting activities that you can do at home with your child:
Play Dough
Playing with play dough is a great way to develop the muscles in the hands and fingers. It is also a great way to develop bilateral coordination.
Stringing Beads
Stringing beads is another great activity to help develop the muscles in the hands and fingers. It is also a great way to develop bilateral coordination, visual-motor skills, and motor memory.
Coloring
Coloring is an excellent way to develop visual-motor skills. It also helps with number and letter recognition.
Tearing Paper
Tearing paper is a great way to develop the muscles in the hands and fingers. It is also a great activity to help develop bilateral coordination, visual-motor skills, and motor memory.
Stacking Blocks
Stacking blocks is a great way to develop the muscles in the hands and fingers. It is also a great way to develop bilateral coordination, visual-motor skills, and motor memory.
Puzzles
Puzzles are a great way to develop visual-motor skills and motor memory. They are also a great way to develop language skills.
There are many other activities that can help children develop their handwriting skills. If you are looking for more ideas, there are many books and websites that have great ideas for handwriting activities. Do your research and make your pick.
Some Key Points to Consider For Overcoming Handwriting Problems
There are also some tips that can be used to make handwriting easier. Some of these include:
Using an Angled Piece of Paper
This can help the child see the lines on the paper better and write in a straighter line. Encourage the child to hold the pencil at a 45-degree angle to achieve good handwriting.
Making Lines Thick and Wide
This will help the child stay within the lines and not go off the paper. Instruct the child to make the lines as thick and wide as possible. This way, children can achieve neater handwriting.
Using a Pencil Grip
A pencil grip can help the child hold the pencil correctly and improve fine motor skills. Have the child try different grips such as the tripod grasp or the quadrupod grasp until they find one that is comfortable for them. Using tripod grasp
Practicing Regularly
Practice is the key to achieving neater handwriting. The more kids practice, the better their handwriting will become. . With practice, these skills will improve and your child will be able to write more easily.
Tools That Help Overcome Handwriting Challenges
There are also some tools that can be used to help kids practice handwriting and be efficient when it comes to writing tasks. If your child has poor handwriting such as illegible letters or words that are difficult to read, you may want to consider using some of these tools:
Use of Appropriate Paper
You should also use the appropriate paper for your child. This will make it easier for them to write on the lines and stay within the margins. Handwriting paper is available at most stationary stores.
Composition Books
If you want your child to improve their writing skills, you should encourage them to use composition books. These have wide-ruled lines that help kids stay within the margins.
Use a Writing Slope
If your child has sloppy handwriting, consider using a writing slope. This tool can help slant the paper and make it easier for kids to write on the lines.
Proper Handwriting Supplies
It is also important to use the proper handwriting supplies. A pencil sharpener, good quality eraser, and pens are some of the things you will need. Make sure that the child has all the supplies they need before starting to write.
Good posture and a firm surface are also important for good handwriting. The child should sit up straight and have their feet on the floor. The desk or table should be at a comfortable height for the child.
With these tips, you can help your child improve their handwriting skills. You can also contact an occupational therapist for more tips and activities.
Where to Find Activities for Handwriting Skills
There are many places where you can find activities to help improve handwriting skills. Here are a few ideas:
- Your local library may have books that contain activities and games to help your child improve handwriting skills such as visual attention, motor planning, letter formation skills, and fine motor skills.
- The internet is a great resource for finding handwriting activities. A simple search will reveal many websites that have.
- The internet is a great resource for finding activities and printables. A simple search for “handwriting activities” will yield many results.
- You can also use a worksheet to help your child practice handwriting. There are many different worksheets available online. You can also find worksheets at your local bookstore or stationery store.
- Your child’s occupational therapist or teacher may have some resources that they can share with you.
- There are also many commercial products available that are designed to help improve handwriting skills. Handwriting Without Tears is one such program.
By using these resources, you can help your child develop required skills for good handwriting.
Conclusion
If your child is having difficulty with handwriting, there are many different things that can be done to help. Occupational therapy can be very beneficial for improving the skills needed for handwriting. By working on the fundamental skills needed for handwriting and providing instruction and tips, the therapist can help your child improve their handwriting. Also, it is important to provide your child with proper tools, supplies, and resources to help them develop the skills they need for neat and legible handwriting.
Handwriting activities also allow kids to achieve a proper posture. Practicing a tripod grasp with a regular grip can help kids achieve the right grip for handwriting. Regular practice of these activities can help improve skills for forming letters, wrist stability, hand strength, pencil control, and so on. This way, your child can achieve better handwriting and be an efficient writer.
Resources:
Activities to Improve Handwriting – The OT Toolbox. (2022). Retrieved 8 June 2022, from https://www.theottoolbox.com/handwriting/
Occupational Therapy For Handwriting Problems – Evaluations And Testing. (2022). Retrieved 8 June 2022, from https://www.pediaplex.net/contents/occupational-therapy1/handwriting-evaluations#:~:text=Writing%20requires%20visual%20coordination%2C%20core,occupational%20therapy%20for%20handwriting%20problems.
Occupational Therapy – A Great Way to Address Handwriting Challenges – Speech & OT. (2022). Retrieved 8 June 2022, from https://speechandot.com/occupational-therapy-great-way-address-handwriting-challenges/
Fun Sensory Activities to Help Improve Handwriting. (2022). Retrieved 8 June 2022, from https://www.brainbalancecenters.com/blog/fun-sensory-activities-help-improve-handwriting
Greutman, H. (2022). Which Fine Motor Skills are Important for Handwriting?. Retrieved 8 June 2022, from https://www.growinghandsonkids.com/which-fine-motor-skills-important-for-handwriting.html#:~:text=What%20Are%20Handwriting%20Skills%3F,pencil%20grasp%20and%20letter%20formation.
(2022). Retrieved 8 June 2022, from https://www.continued.com/early-childhood-education/articles/foundational-skills-activities-handwriting-22766
Handwriting Improvement Therapy | Treatment | Services | OT for Kids – Children’s Occupational Therapy Services. (2022). Retrieved 8 June 2022, from https://www.otforkids.co.uk/services/treatment/handwriting-improvement-therapy.php
