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Handwriting: Ability to write legibly, with ease and at a pace equivalent to peers.

Tools and tips

Handwriting

Promote cursive style writing

A cursive style allows writing to flow more easily rather than the stop start of printing. A cursive style also allows the writer to process words as a whole which can help with reading. Where students have a physical disability this might be more difficult but where possible a Cursive style should be promoted. I have included a few handwriting sheets in the toolbox to help with developing Cursive Flow. I have included an interesting article on teaching cursive first in the Toolbox.

Give extra time for written work

Students may struggle with speed and find it hard to write at the same pace as their peers. A simple handwriting assessment can determine this (a sample assessment is included on this website). Allow students who struggle with writing pace or handwriting in general extra time to complete work and try to plan this into the lesson. Do not give other students rewards for finishing first or students may feel like they are being punished.

Allow typed work

If you are asking students to write up large amounts of text then consider using a computer, however do this sparingly in younger years as we want to promote the development of handwriting as long as possible. Typing can be just as arduous if students have not developed keyboard skills, so consider including some quick lessons using this free site to help. In typing up their work students are also more likely to accept criticisms as handwriting is much more personal, as well as most programs having additional tools to support editing including spelling and grammar features.

Use alternative ways of recording

Solving a problem or completing a practical activity can be just as beneficial to students learning, in some schools there has been an over-focus on getting it down on the page, this could be achieved by taking photos instead and creating a journal of an activity or topic. Asking students to draw out solutions or complete a comic can also be a useful lesson task. The Communication Trust runs a (link here) 'No Pen Wednesday' event which offers interesting alternatives to writing.

Mark for content

Try to mark for content rather than presentation where possible, it is important to get students to take pride in their work where they are able, however some students struggle to draw a straight line even with a ruler. Therefore in order to build confidence try to manage presentation expectations and target the areas you most want to see.

Offer left- handed pens/ resources

Using left handed , pens and scissors can make the difference between allowing students to take part or not. I tend to have pens in my draw for specific students that they are not allowed to take away, otherwise supplies quickly diminish, but if it helps suggest to other teachers to do the same.