Quick Handwriting Interventions
Strengthen the hands and fingers
For some kiddos, inconsistency in lettering might be because they may need some extra practice in strengthening hand dexterity.
One of the easiest ways to work out a child’s fingers is with some therapy putty. Put some clean pocket change into the putty. Have the kiddos try and dig the change out with their thumb and index finger. This is another activity disguised as play that can be a way of teaching hand strength.
Extra input for sensory seekers
For kiddos who need some extra input, it might be a good idea to try using active seating, like a yoga ball, for teaching writing. Engaging the body of a kiddo who might be more naturally fidgety can be a great way to help them focus on the task at hand.
If the kiddo is a little more prone to chewing on their writing utensils while practicing writing, it might be a good idea to get them something that is made to be chomped on. You can find pencil-topping, food-grade silicone chewies here.
Weighted writing utensils can provide a little bit of extra proprioceptive feedback for sensory seekers, which may help them focus.
If a kiddo likes to fidget, try some fidget toppers for pencils. That way, they can appropriately stim while working on the task.
Get the right tools
Some little changes can make all the difference. Trying out new slant boards, grips, lined paper, and pens and pencils can have a huge impact on the way that a kiddo writes. Adapting writing utensils based on the level of ability can be an empowering fix for writing woes.
Practice drawing
A child’s first occupation is playing. Kiddos learn best when they are able to do so in an environment disguised as play. Drawing, scribbling, doodling, or coloring can be an easy way to get kids sharpening their pre-writing skills.
Write on
While these tips might work for some, they may not work for all. Be sure to consult an occupational therapist that specializes in handwriting and hand strengthening if difficulties ensue. Remember to be patient with your little writer and try a multitude of different things. Sometimes, the overall issues aren’t isolated difficulties but may be a combination of things.
Related Articles
Four Quick Classroom Handwriting Interventions
Handwriting is one of the foundational skills that children learn in school. A child’s writing ability has a large impact on their development along with their functional performance at school, in the community, and at home. Children who display ...Getting Toddlers Ready For Handwriting
Handwriting is more than ABC, 123, periods and paragraphs. There are many underlying skills that require development to support handwriting. Does your child get frustrated during writing assignments? Does their teacher complain their work is ...Using Chewies as a Sensory Support at Home and School
For children with special needs or children who are on the spectrum, chewing can be a way of “stimming,” or self-stimulating, their senses. Repetitive behaviors like stimming can provide individuals with comfort and proprioceptive feedback. Chewies ...Easy Elopement Prevention Strategies
The word “elopement” isn’t just used to describe an impulse wedding. “Elopement” can be used to describe a situation in which an individual with special needs or memory difficulties wanders away from the safety of their caregivers. The situation can ...Proprioception, Explained
In the special needs community, there is a lot of talk about proprioception and proprioceptive feedback. Although the word sounds like a prehistoric dinosaur, it’s a pretty big neurological part of everyone’s lives. In short, proprioception is ...