Every child will develop at their own pace and handwriting will vary greatly among them. Some children will have trouble learning what direction letters go in, others will struggle to write neatly or use cursive writing.Sometimes problems with writing can signal other issues such as developmental delay or learning disabilities. Often these problems have multiple symptoms and difficulties with writing being just one symptom.Conditions that could also affect a child’s ability to write also include:
- Problems with memory that prevent a child from remembering spelling, grammar or punctuation rules
- Problems with language that cause difficulty with word pronunciation, spelling and sentence structure
- Visual or sequential ordering problems which results in uneven spacing of words, and an inability to make lists or put ideas in order
- Dysgraphia, a neurological disorder which is defined as having writing difficulties (such as distorted letters or misspellings) regardless of reading ability
- Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
- Special needs children may also encounter problems learning to write
Signs that a child may need extra assistance with learning to write include:
- An awkward pencil grip
- Handwriting that is illegible
- Difficulty forming letters
- Having an inability to concentrate and complete writing tasks
- Trying to avoid writing
- Lots of misspelled words
- Letters or words that don't follow correct sequence
- Incorrect placement of words on the page
- Uneven spacing between letters
- A large gap between spoken language and writing ability
- Experiencing a slow and difficult time writing
If you notice that your child is struggling with writing, it may be a good idea to have him seen by an occupational therapist. This will help you uncover if your child needs therapy, tutoring or simply extra practice writing at home.
Learning to read and write is the very foundation of education and the key to success at school and in life. So whether you both write a thank you letter to his grand-parents or make a shopping list together, it’s essential that he gets plenty of practice at home.
