Top Tips to Encourage Children With Handwriting
National Handwriting Day is on the 23rd January this year and is a celebration of the written form and its importance in our modern world. It started in 1977 in the USA by an organisation who were keen to promote the use of pens and pencils; they decided to hold the day on the 23rd of January, as it was the birthday of John Hancock, the first person to sign the American Declaration of Independence.
Whilst National Handwriting Day originated in the United States, its importance cannot be understated- handwriting is still a vital skill to encourage children to express themselves and communicate with others. It is an essential part of any primary school’s curriculum; however, not all children find it an easy skill. Here are some ideas to encourage your children to write and improve their handwriting.
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Use different textures
Using different textures to write often helps children with their fine motor skills. For example, tracing letters in sand supports the formation of letters as well as exercising the muscles in a child’s fingers. This technique is best used in Reception, where children are just starting to learn how to write; however, it can be used for those further up the school who are struggling or react well to sensory learning. Other textures to try out are dried pasta, flour or even the backs of other children!
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Try out different stationery
As children go through primary school, they are often given a set pen to write with, or a certain implement that they are expected to use by a certain age. This can often add undue pressure to children who are worried about their handwriting. Whilst it is important to have a handwriting policy in place, it is also worth thinking about children who may need adjustments to help them write. If they find using a pen difficult, could they use a pencil instead? Instead of a fountain pen, with its propensity for leaking, could they use a ballpoint pen? Sometimes, it is what children write with that prevents them from getting all their fantastic ideas down onto the paper.
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Think about ergonomics
There are various makes and brands of pen that have been specially designed to support children with handwriting and to make the process as comfortable as possible. Paper Plus have a pen in stock that does exactly this: https://paperplusuk.com/product/classroom-supplies/stationery/easy-original-rollerball-blue-right-hand/
One advantage of handwriting pens is that they help children assume a correct handwriting position by the way they have to hold the pen. It also helps those who experience discomfort whilst writing and is for both left-handed and right-handed children- a great investment for any classroom!
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Come up with a purpose
One way we have found to encourage children to start a longer piece of writing is to give them a clear purpose and reason for the task. For example, if you are completing a recount about a trip you have been on, could it be published in the school newsletter? Could it go on the website? You could also inspire them by using our 5 day handwriting challenge download!
An incentive gives reluctant writers motivation to put pen to paper, but also a reason for doing what they are doing. You could write a letter to the Headteacher to encourage them to buy more bins for the playground, and then invite them to your class to read the letters out loud. The more children see there is a purpose to something, the more they will want to do it.
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Routine and praise
Finally, establish a routine for when you will teach handwriting- preferably little and often. If it is part of your regular classroom practice, then children will not become daunted by it and will accept it as something they do. Praise often and encourage children when they do something well, even if it is just forming a letter correctly. Put work on the wall and give out stickers- anything to incentivise more writing! Handwriting should be enjoyed by children and not seen as a chore- with these tips, you will have a classroom of writers in no time!
Contact Us
If you’d like to know more about how Paper Plus can provide your school with the supplies and stationery it requires, please get in touch. Call us on 01444 238 050 or pop us an email at sales@paperplusuk.com
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