How to Help Your Child Improve Their Handwriting

Handwriting is an essential skill that not only aids in academic success but also plays a significant role in personal and professional life. Through handwriting, children are able to express themselves and communicate with those around them. Whether your child is homeschooled or goes to a regular school, it is important that they improve their penmanship and work on problem areas when it comes to their handwriting. As a parent, you can support your child in improving this through effective strategies and a number of different exercises. Below is an article advised by this nursery in Streatham Hill, on how to help your child improve their handwriting.

Encourage proper grip and posture

Have you noticed that your child’s hand gets tired easily when it comes to writing? The majority of the time, this can be due to poor grip on the pencil. Ensure that your child holds their pencil correctly, using their thumb, index and middle fingers, and remind them not to grip their pencil too hard either. Consider getting a low-cost pencil gripper, as this can be an easy way for your child to write without their hand muscles getting tired as easily. Additionally, emphasise how important it is to maintain good posture while writing, with their feet flat on the floor and a stable writing surface. 

Start with basic lines and shapes

If your child’s handwriting is unreadable or just extremely messy, there is no use telling them to improve it without actually helping them start from the basics. Instead, sit with them and assure them that they will get to where they want to be with a little assistance and a whole lot of effort. Begin by focusing on mastering basic lines and shapes. Encourage your child to practice drawing straight lines, curves, circles and squares. This helps them gain control over their hand movements and familiarise themselves with the formation of letters.

Use a spacing tool

Does your child leave too big or too little gaps in between their words? If left to do for too long, your child will end up making this a long-term habit that they struggle to break when they get older. Tackle this the best that you can whilst they’re little by using a spacing tool or a wooden craft stick. 

Helping your child improve their handwriting requires a lot of patience, practice and support. By implementing these tips, you can assist your little one in developing great handwriting skills.