Whether, copying from the blackboard, writing stories or completing homework, much of a child's learning experience involves the written word. Handwriting is a very complex skill and does not come easily for many children.

Handwriting is made up of many skill components including;

-hand skills (holding a pencil, moving the pencil to make the letters, supporting page with non writing arm, moving the arm smoothly across the page)

-posture and strength (sitting in a chair comfortably and securely)

-thinking (cognition) skills(planning where/how to write, remembering letters and words), being able to pay attention

-visual perception (the ability to makesense of what you are seeing with your eyes and includes copying, remembering letter forms, spatial skills)

Parents can help too…

• Remember there is a range of "normal" handwriting skills. As a parent try to be realistic about handwriting expectations. If your child's writing is readable, efficient and your child is not overly tired after writing, then ask yourself if there really is a problem.
• Ask the class teacher whether your child is writing as expected for his or her age.
• Give praise for effort, even if the end product is not "perfect"

Posture is important for handwriting

Too many body wobbles can lead to too many writing wobbles! Try these suggestions to help with posture;

• Make sure your child sits at a chair and desk that encourage correct posture for writing. The feet should be flat on the floor, back up straight and not slumped, arms resting comfortably on the table and head comfortably tilted forward.
• Try using a sloped desktop to work on. This encourages a more upright posture, supports the arm and wrist when writing and helps with copying from the blackboard. Sloped desktops can be purchased or try using a ring binder like an easel as a stop gap measure.
• Regularly practice fun games and activities that build up the stomach, shoulder and back muscles.

Activities for posture

• Crawling and climbing through an obstacle course
• Tug of war
• Swimming and martial arts

Handwriting warm- ups for flexible fingers

Try some of these fun activities before a writing session

• Pencil finger walks- hold a pencil as though you are going to write with it. Inch your fingers up and down the pencil, twirl it around, try to take the lid off with one hand.
• Waxed strings- these waxed pieces of string are great for getting the fingers moving and a fun way to practice letter formation.
• Play dough blobs- roll out tiny balls of dough between the thumb and index finger
• Pencil patterns- it might help to practise making patterns that are similar to the letters that are being learnt. For example; squiggle patterns for circular letters, zig zags for x, z etc upright patterns for l, t, I etc.

Pencil grasp

Holding the pencil comfortably is important for smooth writing and to prevent pain and tiredness in the hand.

Some of these suggestions might help if your child struggles with pencil grip;

• Try using a pencil gripper.
• Smaller hands often need short, stubby pencils
• Triangle shaped pencils encourage correct grasp.
• Try writing on a vertical surface such as an easel or blackboard to help encourage correct wrist and finger position.

Forming letters

Remember that reversing letters (e.g. Swapping b for d) is common until the end of year one at school. Here are some ideas to help learn correct letter formation

• Teach similarly shaped letters all at once. E.g. rounded shapes such as a, o, d
• Use 'sensory' activities to make learning letters fun. E.g. drawing letters in shaving cream, making play-dough letters, tracing over textured paper.
• Make sure you use the same font as your state education system.

Writing pressure

Some children press too hard or too soft on the paper. Here are some suggestions to help get the feel of correct writing pressure.

• Write on tissue paper without tearing
• Write on carbon paper to encourage firmer pressure. See if the writing comes out on the other page.
• Write with a towel under the page without poking holes in the paper.

Keeping organised

Some of these ideas might help if your child has trouble knowing where to write or how to start.

• Use "dotted thirds" writing paper to show where tall and small letters should go.
• Use graph paper to practise putting spaces between words.
• Rule a margin to show where to start.
• Try writing on pastel coloured paper if visual glare is a problem

Fun practise ideas

Practise helps a lot but it need not be boring! Try these ideas with your child.

• Write a card to a friend
• Write out the family shopping list
• Use scented markers
• Write secret messages in code.

What if handwriting is still inefficient?

Some children persist with handwriting only to find that it is still extremely difficult. In these cases, occupational therapy assessments may recommend an alternative format for recording school work such as word-processing or having a scribe.

If you are concerned about your child's handwriting, speak to the class teacher for some ideas. An occupational therapist is able to provide specialised assessment and therapy to help with handwriting difficulties. Contact your local occupational therapy association for details on your local services.