Handwriting is a personal thing; however, if your little one’s writing is not legible it can be hard for others to read it and for their teacher to correct work.
Practice makes perfect
It is common for kids to experiment with their handwriting, although sometimes it can is more legible than other times. While it is a personal thing, practicing to write neatly will help your child get used to writing that way.
Pencil grip
Pencil grips should not just be viewed as a luxury pencil case item, they can help your child hold the pencil properly and for longer, meaning they are less likely to get tired of writing too soon. When kids get tired of putting pen to paper their handwriting can get a little sloppy.
Master the hard letters
Some letters are harder to write than others, especially in lowercase form. A lot of the writing mistakes kids make happen when they are using j, k, n, q,u and z. Dot-to-dot’s are great for mastering the tricky letters.
Write all the time
Encourage your little one to write as often as possible. Get them to do the shopping list, fill in birthdays and events on the calendar and do the ‘things to do’ lists. The more they write, the better their handwriting will become.
Stock up on supplies
Make sure you have enough writing supplies in the house: stock up on pens, pencils, rubbers and lots and lots of lined and plain paper.
Games to play
Don’t let writing become a chore, so play lots of games where your little one practices their writing without them knowning. Playing restaurant where your child writes down a menu and takes orders off people is a lot of fun. Not only will this help with their handwriting it is also a great way to improve spelling.
Get a pen pal
If possible, try to arrange for your little one to have a pen pal. They don’t necessarily have to be in a foreign country, a friend from school or even a cousin works just as well. It is a great way for your youngster to improve their handwriting without them realising it. If their writing is a little sloppy you can ask them: ‘Do you think Anna will be able to read that?”
