Writing Tips
Occupational therapists often work with students who have difficulties with performing handwriting tasks within the classroom. Problems with writing can be attributed to many things including visual perceptual problems, fine motor/hand development delays, sensory issues, attention issues, or learning disabilities. Frequently it is a combination of the problems listed above. Below are a few ideas that can help with writing:
Change the writing tool. The feedback a child receives from the writing tool they are using can effect their writing. Using a harder or softer pencil lead or letting the child use erasable pen can provide different types of feedback to the child when they are writing. Shorter pencils for small hands. Mechanical pencils with .7 or .9 lead
Try different types of paper. Some children respond to wider lines vs. narrow. Highlighting the top or bottom lines can also help. Another suggestion would be to place a Wikki Stix on the bottom line to help children with the boundaries of the lines.
Use a slantboard or vertical surface for writing. This helps to facilitate good hand position and can help children who have difficulties copying from the board.
10/16/2007 jbc,otr/l