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Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 263
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OP
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Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 263 |
Hi All, I'm looking for any been there done that experience with trying to improve the aforementioned. DS is 7, about to be skipped to Grade 2, has math capabilities of around Grade 4 when last tested and will be tested again tomorrow for subject acceleration. The Gifted Services Coordinator said in no uncertain terms that his handwriting is holding him back in terms of further full grade acceleration. He does have fine motor skills issues and has just started handwriting OT. The teachers I've spoken to think that his handwriting is fine for a 7yo, but for the amount of writing required for, say grade 4, he's behind. DS has been in grade 1 for all of 12 weeks, but socially, it's been a desert. He's a very sociable boy, but he tells me that he just doesn't have anything in common with his classmates. The teachers think he's fine (all throughout kindy, teachers have always told me he has "many friends". ), but his idea of a connection is for people to understand what he's saying and not just for him to laugh along. In any case, I've seen that his social group is older. My question is, is it possible for him to improve his handwriting age quickly? He was extremely motivated to practice, which is why he's now at the 7yo level for handwriting (it wasn't last year). I feel bad that some of his precious afterschool time has to be spent writing, which he dislikes. And because changes have been slow, his motivation is ebbing. The gifted svcs coordinator suggested keyboarding if his handwriting doesn't catch up (I don't know what the time line is), but I'm wondering if that will work. Does anyone have any experience here? TIA!!
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Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 40
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Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 40 |
I know this may sound silly, but have you tried different pencils? We have some problems with DS8's writing, notably writing really large and not too neat. If he goes very slow he can write smaller and more neatly, but it takes a lot longer. Last night I gave him a mechanical pencil and he suddenly fit his (very long) name on the line on his homework and the work was a bit neater. A lot of people around here have mentioned keyboarding and there is a good, free typing introduction that others have recommended. My son really liked it. dance mat typing It would be a shame to let handwriting hold a child back from learning in school. Good luck
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Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 462
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Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 462 |
We have an OT working with DS7 on handwriting and it is still atrocious. Next year, his school has a class in keyboarding...hooray! I do not correct his handwriting, but my husband will make him erase and re-do letters and numbers that are not clear. I have awful handwriting also (I'm allowed, I'm a doctor haha) so I guess I don't think it's that important. Nan
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Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 7,207
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Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 7,207 |
Nan, If you can, get your DH to cut that out. We have too many perfectionistic kids who are wearing through their papers as it is. Perhaps you could compromise by having him write double spaced, and drawing a line through the ambiguous digits and re-writing them on top? Jus my .02$ - my handwriting has taken a very long time to develop!
As for 'hothousing handwritting' - if your son wants to, then go for it!
I like 'handwriting without tears' - particularly their 'The Print Tool' - it's meant for professional, and it really analyses what the weaknesses are to be focused on. Perhaps your OT has already done that, and could give you some things to do as practice at home?
There are also the 'other' activities that build finger strength, such as musical instruments, woodworking, handicrafts that you might pursue to try to hothouse the printing a bit.
Best Wishes, Grinity
Coaching available, at SchoolSuccessSolutions.com
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Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 462
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Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 462 |
Grinity: Thanks for the input for me on Blob's post. I will try to get my DH to cut it out My DS has taken to leaving his homework by the front door for me...completely bypassing DH. Yay DS, you are so smart
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Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 263
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OP
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Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 263 |
Thanks so much, guys! We've tried, still trying different grips. Will try the typing typing programmes, pant pant. Nan, I like what you said about you being allowed bad handwriting . I'm in finance and my son says, "obviously, adults have bad handwriting too" after seeing a sample of mine . Grinity, I've never been able to make him trace anything, which is probably why his handwriting is so bad. These days, he gets to write a little paragraph or letter, or whatever he wants. But he wants it ever more rarely. Gonna put on my salesman hat and start to hardsell from next week, *gritting my teeth in determination*.
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Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 7,207
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Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 7,207 |
Grinity, I've never been able to make him trace anything, which is probably why his handwriting is so bad. I'm totally confused here. By tracing, do you mean placing a blank paper over the printed sheet and drawing what he sees? To my knowledge there is none of that for his age group in HWT. What I love about HWT is that it groups the letters logically, and asks the helper to put smile-faces under the pretty letters. Also, their paper really did help me make prettier letters. These days, he gets to write a little paragraph or letter, or whatever he wants. But he wants it ever more rarely. Gonna put on my salesman hat and start to hardsell from next week, *gritting my teeth in determination*. Since his handwriting is holding back his ability to get reasonable acomidation, you have a real natural urge in that direction to take advantage of. I would recommend taking it on as a mutual project, where you mostly act interested for yourself, to prove to yourself is this is as good a program as Grinity says, perhaps bribing him to keep you company for moral support. Plus, it can be very relaxing. Some soothing music, a little candlelight...you get the idea. Silly Me, Grinity
Coaching available, at SchoolSuccessSolutions.com
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Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 263
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OP
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Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 263 |
Hi Grinity, not sure about what it's called - tracing dotted letters or numbers? I had a quick peek at HWT from my friend. They have some of that. I have printed freebie sheets from the internet, but after some of that, he'll space out big time, yow! But did you say smile-faces? Hmm, Cutey-pie stuff does work on him ... Tks for the little suggestions
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Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 7,207
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Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 7,207 |
Even 5 minutes a day will make a huge difference.
If the smile faces are too cutey-pie, just place a check mark under your favorite letters. The idea is to develop visual awareness of which letters look 'right' and that one can, in fact, make at least one letter that looks right.
Whatever you decide, you'll figure out some way out of this. Grinity
Coaching available, at SchoolSuccessSolutions.com
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