Slant boards are an excellent way to improve a child’s writing skills. By using a slant board, kids can practice their handwriting in a more ergonomic position which can lead to improved handwriting overall. Additionally, slant boards can help kids with fine motor control and coordination.
There are many benefits of using a Slant Board and by using one, parents can help their kids to improve their writing skills.
What is a Slant Board?
A Slant Board is an inclined plane that is used to increase the angle of elevation of an object. Slant boards are often used with young children who have difficulty with handwriting. Teachers & occupational therapists often get a student to use this writing platform when a kid is struggling with extended periods of writing or struggles with handwriting.
Here are the 9 benefits of using a raised slanted board for writing:
- Improved Wrist Position
- Better Posture
- Improved handwriting
- Better Copying Position
- Improved Paper Positioning Stability
- Motor Control Development
- Boost Visual Tracking Skills
- More ergonomic position
- Helps with fine motor control and coordination
- Different Types of Slant Board
There are many different types of Slant Boards available on the market and they come in a variety of sizes, shapes, and colors. The best way to find the perfect slant board for your child is to ask their occupational therapist for a recommendation.
A slanted board with an ergonomic design is a good choice for children. They are usually lightweight, portable, and crack resistant. The crack-resistant polycarbonate construction makes it safe for children’s use.
When shopping for a slant board, it’s important to keep in mind the following factors:
- Size: Make sure the slant board is the right size for your child. It should be big enough for them to comfortably write on, but not so big that it’s cumbersome.
- Portability: In addition to size, some slant boards can be compacted down and are more portable. Portability may be an issue for high school students who need to move from class to class.
- Additional Functions: There are a variety of additional functions that come with the board. For example, some of them have a clip to help with clipping on paper.
How to Use a Slant Board
Once you have a slant board, it’s time to start using it! Here are some tips to get you started:
- Place the slant board on a flat surface at a comfortable height for your child.
- Have your child sit in a chair or on the floor in front of the slant board.
- Give them a pencil and paper and show them how to hold the pencil correctly.
- Help them position their paper on the slant board at a comfortable angle. If you have a slant board with a clip, show them how to use the clip to secure the paper.
- Encourage them to take their time and write slowly and carefully.
- Help them to practice their letters, numbers, and shapes. As they improve, challenge them to write words, sentences, and stories.
The most important thing is to have fun and make it a positive experience for your child. With a little practice, they’ll be writing like a pro in no time!
How Can a Child Use a Slant Board?
There are many ways that parents can use a slant board with their children to help them improve their writing skills. Here are a few ideas:
- Use it as a practice surface for letters and numbers
- Have your child trace shapes and patterns
- Use it for fun writing activities like making lists or stories
- Encourage your child to use the slant board for homework and other schoolwork
Slant Board Benefits for Kids
Improved Wrist Position
When we used a slanted writing surface, it encourages wrist extension. It is a functional position that offers easy motion of the hands to allow quick and fluid movement required for handwriting.
Sometimes children write with a flexed (i.e. bend) wrist and this can limit writing fluidity and also increase pain, especially if they are writing for long periods of time.
Better Posture
An ergonomic design reduces strain and improves posture for early learners. The board is designed in a way that the paper and pencil are closer to the child.
It is kept at an angled surface that tends to make the child maintain an upright posture. The upright posture with an extended neck posture during reading or writing activities helps to breathe. Natural breathing is a great way to stay alert and focused.
This ergonomic surface also allows the shoulders to be more upright, rather than slouched which is often found when children are writing on a flat surface.
Boost Visual Tracking Skills
A Slant Board for reading and writing maintains an angle. This increased angle can help with improved writing and reading.
Slant board with abundant space is not only an excellent tool but also reduces any type of visual or physical strain.
Motor Control Development
It is important for the child to keep the wrist on a slanted writing surface. This enables the child to rest their forearm and manipulate the pencil for a better grasp using their fingers.
They can hold the paper better and position their hands to move the pencil and write letters. Signs of improved motor skills indicate good handwriting, stopping on the line, quicker writing speed.
Improved Paper Positioning Stability
If the child struggles to keep the paper still when they write, they may need some additional support.
Although when we are doing writing, one hand is mainly doing most of the work. However, it is important for our non-dominant hand to hold onto the paper so it does not move around.
For some, the board is designed to have a clip so the child can clip on the paper without it moving around too much. This also requires the child to understand paper positioning when clipping on the paper.
Regardless of whether the slant board has a clip or not, children should be encouraged to use their non-dominant hand to hold onto the paper to avoid it moving around too much.
Better Copying Position
For kids who have difficulties with visual processing, copying off the board can get overwhelming. Nevertheless, the upright posture reduces head movement.
This position helps to improve hand-eye coordination while writing on a slanted surface in a classroom or at home. It also reduces eye strain from frequent head movement.
DIY or Buy?
Since there are multiple versions, it gets overwhelming to choose the ideal slant board for your child. In case of any doubt, always consult with an Occupational Therapist to find out the right choice.
You can also create the best DIY version of the slant board for your children at home from a wide variety of materials. This can positively impact their homework time. There is a wide number of health benefits for children who use ergonomically slanted boards to practice writing.
These boards have plenty of features that help a child to adapt with ease. The earlier you detect your child’s difficulties, the better chances you get to help eliminate the same.
Summary
There are many benefits of using a Slant Board for Writing. By using a slant board, kids can improve their handwriting, fine motor control, and coordination. Additionally, slant boards can be used for a variety of writing activities.
This is a great way to help your child improve their writing skills. It may be the perfect solution. Slant boards are a simple, yet effective tool that can make a big difference in your child’s writing.
References
Greutman, H. (2022). 5 Benefits of a Slant Board for Writing. Retrieved 25 March 2022, from https://www.growinghandsonkids.com/5-benefits-slant-board-for-writing.html
Weichman, L. (2022). Benefits of a Slant Board – North Shore Pediatric Therapy. Retrieved 25 March 2022, from https://www.nspt4kids.com/parenting/benefits-of-a-slant-board/
