Handwriting
Suggestions for Troubleshooting
If the student has difficulty: Then try this:
Organizing written work on a page Offer visual parameters such as:
Highlighted lines or special lined paper
Boxes for single word answers
Graph paper for organizing math problems; can also use for writing by putting one letter, punctuation or space per box
Dark or highlighted line for Left Margin and to help with skip lines
Fold notebook paper in half for lists
Pre-number the lines
Produce legible handwritten work Allow for keyboarding/typing on computer
Use Handwriting Without Tears adapted paper
Use a mechanical pencil or make sure using sharp pencil
Skip lines on paper
Have student write smaller
Isolate and remediate letter formation
Handwriting too dark or light Put any of the following under the paper for feedback: small stack of papers, book, non slip rubber mat or craft foam sheets
Have student squeeze ball in non dominant hand when writing
Offer tactile experience before writing (playing in sand, birdseed, rice, shaving cream)
Have student weight bear with hands on desk before writing, wheel barrow walk, bear walk etc.
Poor spacing between words Have the student write incursive; or craft stick, pencil, finger or small sticker to space; or use graph paper (1 box used for each letter, space, punctuaation
Teach the student to exaggerate space
Use popsicle or finger space to space between
Stop and make corrections immediately after
Letter reversals Make an index card with often reversed letters (b,d,p,z)
Have alphabet strip on student’s desk
Magic C letters (c,a,d,g,o,q,s) all start w C first; start at top and curve counterclockwise
Poor fine motor control See fine motor page
Build up grip; can hold object (cotton ball, dime) with ring and pinky finger to palm to separate both sides of hand, use binder (rings away from you) to give incline for wrist position
Copying from board or smartboard Provide notes for near point copying
Place colored overlay on overhead for better contrast
Allow student to come closer to board
Provide partial notes for fill in the blank rather than copying the whole text
Provide slant board to shorten the distance from fixation to writing surface
Copying notes near (desk) Provide copy of notes and have student highlight important words
Provide partial for fill in the blank
Allow student to copy notes and exchange notes
Teach outlining techniques/using bullets
If keyboarding skills adequate, allow for using keyboard while note taking
Organizing school material/desk Different color coded folders/subjects
Copy of schedule color coded to notebook/folder for that class; use organizer/checklist in locker for what’s needed for homework
Organize assignments and subjects in one binder; trapper keeper with zipper; dividers with pockets
Use magazine holders at side of desk to hold folders
Use pencil clip velcroed on desk to hold pencils
Write “no homework” when no homework in assignment book (no questions then!)
Use a blank calendar to plan for longer assignments and project to help manage time and complete without “crunch” at end
Sensory Processing: See Sensory-Provide heavy work opportunities (proprioception activities suggested on sensory page) before sitting down to table top work
Fidgeting/Distractibility Offer a fidget object to have at the desk such as: squeeze ball/ Rubber band ball
Giant paper clips
Velcro loops or hooks under desk to rub with finger tips
Small piece of theraband around front legs of chair to push legs against
Allow to stand at desk to work or provide pillow to sit and wiggle on; if that creates more movement, make sure when seated, feet are touching the floor
Water bottle to suck/drink; Oral snack throughout the day, chew gum
See sensory suggestions/give movement breaks