Handwriting Post Reply

[TomThomas]

My son (13) is doing well at school, but in his most recent report many subject teachers mentioned that he needs to work on legibility. 
His handwriting has always been poor, despite much effort, and even after a course of Magic Link lessons that did help a lot in Year 6, but which have not 'stuck' over time. 
He has a minor issue in that he has slightly weak hands which does affect his speed of writing. So it's slow and hard to read, and as he's writing more in school it's becoming a problem again. 
Would be interested in hearing recommendations for either a local teacher (we are Wimbledon/Putney area) who will be able to crack this (and appeal to a teenager!) or if someone's child has successfully used a YouTube etc series to improve their writing. 
Thanks in advance! 

[Mrsmac35]

I’ve just found this and we’re going to try it
https://helpwithhandwriting.co.uk/

[TomThomas]

Thanks! I will try the free vids first. 

 

[Btwmum]

I have not been schooled in the UK and I genuinely do not understand, why is handwriting so important here? As far as you can read it, should not be the content that is important? We all work with laptops and while I believe using pen and paper is the best way to learn, is this continuous possession with perfect handwriting at the point to undermine the confidence of some kids really necessary?

[Btwmum]

I have not been schooled in the UK and I genuinely do not understand, why is handwriting so important here? As far as you can read it, should not be the content that is important? We all work with laptops and while I believe using pen and paper is the best way to learn, is this continuous possession with perfect handwriting at the point to undermine the confidence of some kids really necessary?

[TomThomas]

Not sure I know what your last sentence means...
Do you mean 'obsession' ?

A big proportion of schoolwork and homework is done in handwriting, as are exam scripts. A lot of subjects require essays to be written, so that might be several pages of A4. As kids move up school, they may end up doing A levels, which can be heavy on written subjects.
If they can't write at pace - and legibly- they are at a big disadvantage.

You say 'as far as you can read it' . But in my sons case, they actually can't. And in my post, there's nothing about 'perfect' handwriting. I'm not talking about calligraphy, just legibility!

Agree that adults tend to type, but it's still not regularly taught in schools and the majority in my son's school write rather than type.

As for undermining his confidence, not relevant in this case.

Hope that helps you understand.

[gemima]

Hello,

Try Amanda MacLeod school for help.  She's a specialist in handwriting and has written a book and lectures on the subject.

https://www.amandamcleod.org/

[Indianna]

If the handwriting is really tricky, you could seek an assessment from an occupational therapist for example for advice.    EG there may be some underlying motor planning and coordination difficulties that may just make it too difficult.  Also an occupational therapist may be able to advise on other activities that could help to improve the writing - we were advised to work on core strength, shoulder and arm strength (eg climbing, bear walks) etc as that all ultimately helps with the hand strength.  If a professional assesses it to be too difficult for the child then the child may be able to use some sort of assistive technology for all school work including exams.

[TomThomas]

@gemima and @Indianna, thanks very much

[Starr]

This is a very interesting thread. My son ( age 9) also struggles with writing and this holds him back and would cause him so much frustration he would resist school work. We also got a course of "magic link" during the lockdown which helped a lot but hasn't stuck. I'm particularly fascinated about the relationship between handwriting and weaknesses in parts of the body. Something to explore.
Many teachers seem to dismiss concerns and say boys develop writing skills later.