Q. How do I Improve My Child's Handwriting?

Posted by Jennifer Wagaman Feb 1, 2009

Question: My son is in fourth grade, and has horrible handwriting. What can I do to help him write neater so that I can read his work?

Answer: Many parents have dealt with this same issue time and time again. Many of these students are simply in a rush and need to slow down. Although it may be painful, sit down with your child during homework time, and remind them to slow down. Consider setting a timer, and tell your child that he cannot finish before the time is up. You can also have your son re-write his written responses until you can read them.

Watch your child write, and identify problem letters. Teach the proper way to write each letter, for example, the r should not look like a v and the f should not look like a t. Often, an easy solution to many problem letters, is to have the child begin writing the letter from the top down instead of from the bottom up.

Sometimes students who have a disability such as disgraphia or ADHD will have poor handwriting as a result. In this case, you will need to have greater patience and understanding for the child. In this case, the handwriting may not be completely within the control of the student. Spend extra time helping the child work through the disability in order to be successful in all areas.

Left-handed writers often have poor handwriting because they have not been taught how to properly position their hand and hold the paper. For more information on how to write with the left hand, read: How to Write with the Left Hand

For more tips on improving a student's handwriting, read the article: How to Improve Student Handwriting.

You can also check out startwrite, a program designed to provide handwriting tools for parents and teachers.