When writing is hard, school feels hard
Writing is everywhere in school. From jotting down answers in maths to composing a story in English or recording observations in science—written work is embedded in nearly every subject. But for children who struggle with writing, this constant demand can turn every school task into an emotional battle—one where confidence often loses.
Why is Writing So Hard?
Writing isn’t just about putting words on paper. It’s a multilayered process that requires the coordination of multiple skills, both physical and cognitive. When a child finds writing difficult, it’s often because one (or more) of these components is a challenge:
✏️ The Physical Component – Letter formation, pencil grip, and handwriting mechanics require fine motor coordination and muscle endurance. For some kids, forming letters correctly and consistently takes so much effort that they have little energy left for generating ideas or organising their thoughts.
🧠 The Cognitive Load – Writing requires a child to juggle multiple cognitive demands at once:
Spelling knowledge – How do I spell this word?
Working memory – What was I trying to say?
Sentence structure & organisation – How do I put my ideas in order?
Grammar & punctuation – Where do the commas and capital letters go?
For many children, these demands overwhelm their cognitive capacity, making writing feel like an impossible task.
The Emotional Toll of Writing Struggles
When a child struggles with reading, they may receive targeted reading intervention. But when a child struggles with writing, they’re often expected to keep up with written tasks across all subjects, even if the process is exhausting. This can lead to:
💔 Low confidence – Kids may start to believe they’re “not smart” because writing is hard.
😞 Frustration & avoidance – Some kids shut down, resist schoolwork, or rush through writing to get it over with.
🚫 Less classroom participation – If writing is required to express their ideas, kids who struggle may contribute less, even when they have great thoughts to share.
Supporting Reluctant Writers
Understanding why writing is difficult is the first step in supporting your child. Occupational therapy can help by addressing the physical, cognitive, and emotional aspects of writing—breaking the process down into manageable steps and building confidence along the way.
That’s why I created two online occupational therapy groups for Term 2, 2025:
✏️ Handwriting Help for Little Learners – A fun, interactive group for younger children who need support with letter formation and handwriting fluency.
🔬 The Write Science Club – A hands-on science and writing group designed to help reluctant writers think, plan, and write with confidence using engaging experiments and structured writing strategies.
Both programs are online, where kids and parents learn together—from the convenience of home.
Want to learn more? Check out our Group Programs page or email littlelightsot@gmail.com to book your spot.
Let’s help kids feel capable, confident, and able to express their ideas!