Slow/reluctant writer

[Somewhereoverthesanddune]

Has anyone got any tips on how to help my DS improve his handwriting? DS is year 3 and strong in English otherwise. No issues with spelling or punctuation - it's literally the act of writing.

[user789653241]

Why do you think he is reluctant/slow?

My ds was really slow reluctant writer in yr3. We did things that improves gross motor skills(ds had no problem on fine motor) and also started doing "free writing" which is simple exercise to put the thought on to the paper. He has improved quite a lot.

[Somewhereoverthesanddune]

I think it's poor fine motor skills which then means he's frustrated because he can't get thoughts down on paper and thinks he's 'terrible' at writing (his words). His fine motor skills have always lagged behind (since nursery!).

[Polomintini]

We have a similar problem with my DD in yr 2. Every night we got her to copy a page out of her reading book, or write 3 sentences about her day. She resisted at first, but soon got in the habit. I picked up on particular issues - today focus on really good spaces between words, today let’s have perfect ‘e’ s sitting on the line. It takes 5-10 mins per day and 8 weeks later the improvement is like night and day

[user789653241]

There are great list of fun things you can do to improve fine motor skills by mrz.(very experienced primary teacher.)
You can search her past post with the list with "mrz" and "fine motor skills"

[Somewhereoverthesanddune]

Thanks everyone. Polo his teacher didn't seem keen on him doing forced writing but didn't really offer any other suggestions. Teacher seems fairly unconcerned and said it's not unusual for a bit of his age but I'm worried he's going to start falling behind. On reports he's above expectations for English generally but developing for handwriting.

Interested if people think it's just a case of improving fine motor skills and it will come. I've seem mrz's post before but I think it's aimed at younger children primarily. He doesn't have problems with most of the tasks described there because he's nearly 9.

[user789653241]

How about gross motor skills?
My ds's writing wasn't too bad until ks2, his print was very good. It started to show in yr3 because he was expected to write faster and longer. I don't think simple easy tasks are pointless because it's meant to strengthen rather then getting new skill.

[Polomintini]

Our teachers always say, the way to improve writing is to write more! I took that advice and she has settled well into the routine of practicing 4-5 times a week for 5-10 mins. I was worried because she is bright but unable to express herself as well as others in writing which will ultimately hold her back. I guess your teachers want to avoid him becoming really resistant to writing but that Doesn’t have to be the outcome

[Somewhereoverthesanddune]

Thanks. We've started with forced writing and (after initial screams and sobs!) he seems to have accepted it. At the moment I'm just getting him to copy from a book and not concentrating too much on what it looks like (that's step 2).

He's mainly writing in print. Should I be concentrating on him getting his print sorted or just ditch print and move to cursive given he's nearly 9 now?

Finally, gross motor skills seem to be fine - he's fairly sporty and holds his own fine at rugby/cricket/swimming and at school PE.

[Rainbowshine]

Have you looked into dysgraphia? Some of the things you say he is struggling with could indicate that an assessment could be needed.

[user789653241]

At our school, children have to write everything in cursive from ks2.

[Somewhereoverthesanddune]

This is an example of his writing. Not his neatest but that's not much better. This is copying rather than composition. To put it in context he's reading at ORT level 16 'officially' (at home he just reads - Percy Jackson obsessed at the moment) and had no issues with spelling orally.

Teacher thinks his writing isn't great but isn't a concern.

[Somewhereoverthesanddune]

Whoops upside down ;)

[user789653241]

I was reading the other handwriting thread, and seems like children need to be writing in legible cursive to get "expected" level in yr6.
He is only in yr3, so a lot of time to sort it out, but better to crack on early and practice regularly if there are no other physical issues.

[Somewhereoverthesanddune]

I think I'll ignore the print for now. I realise I haven't mentioned that he's a lefty. Might it be as simple as that?

[user789653241]

I have no idea. My ds used to be able to write in both hands equally well, but now completely right handed for writing.
Hopefully some experienced teacher like @Norestformrz come along to help!