Page 4 | To ask what age child you think wrote this?

Odearr · 2024-08-15T14:52:38+00:00

Worried about DS writing, just wondering what age this level of writing ability would be typical for? This is his neatest writing and definitely helped by the little squares on the page

SpanThatWorld · 15/08/2024 16:34

Looks like dyspraxia. My middle one's handwriting was like that at the end of Y6. The others all had handwriting like that at around the same age as your son.

He'll need an OT assessment but OTs are rare as hen's teeth so you'll probably be waiting a long while. However, school can put strategies in place now such as use of a scribe or trying to see if typing is easier. Recording his learning in other ways allows him to flourish and feel positive about school.

All the evidence is that dyspraxic kids need to develop the muscles in their limbs before any of the fine motor stuff improves. Martial arts are good - a couple of mine really improved after a year or so of karate. The whole colouring in the lines stuff will only develop once the gross motor skills are there. Too much fine motor practice can be incredibly demotivating when your motor system just can't do it yet.

And ignore anyone who tells you to cut down the Fortnite - especially if they're doing it with a cat's bum face. We can all pontificate from a distance. Playing with a games console is also a fine motor skill. Everything in moderation.

redalex261 · 15/08/2024 16:32

From what you have said he needs help with fine motor skills (it’s likely some occasional gaming will help with that!). What does the school say?

Writing can take time to become legible, see of school can suggest any resources to help.

MiriamMay · 15/08/2024 16:31

Ok, try not to worry too much.

My DD’s writing was actually worse than that at a similar age. She did eventually get better with lots of support from me. She’s 25 now and has just graduated with a 1st in business and marketing.

I’m telling you this because I want you to know that even though he might be a little behind his peers he will get there.

Original poster

Odearr · 15/08/2024 16:26

School aren't great tbh, he isn't disruptive and is quite a rule follower in general so I don't really hold out any hope for school being any help. I have spoken to them about it. his older brother has asd and adhd and getting him any help at school has been a nightmare despite having an ehcp and now being in a sen school . I understand schools just don't have the staff time or funding really.
OT wait list is years long on the nhs for kids here atm I think I will save for a private assessment with an OT
thanks for the suggestions of score it's to do with him I'll try some out, we do a lot of play doh and Lego to try to help with motor skills but he's reluctant to do any writing or drawing really.

OP posts:

80smonster · 15/08/2024 16:24

Kindergarten/reception?

happybluefern · 15/08/2024 16:22

Odearr · 15/08/2024 16:04

He is 7.5 going into year 3 in September
Also struggles with other physical skills e.g struggles to use a knife and fork (well, literally can't use a knife and fork can only use a fork, can for example use a knife to push beans or whatever into the fork he uses his hands) can't swim at all despite being in lessons for over a year, I bought him some school shorts and he couldn't wear them because they had a button instead of a clasp and he couldn't manage it no matter how much time I spent trying to show him how.
he's recently started really hating school and getting very tearful about it, I'm wondering if there's something going on for him as to why he's hating it so much

Ah poor lad - sorry to hear he’s been tearful. I’d be looking further into his writing that if I were his teacher, the letter formation could suggest dyslexia and as PPs have said an occupational therapist referral would be good.

Original poster

Odearr · 15/08/2024 16:20

Cheesecakelunch · 15/08/2024 16:09

He's clearly very well versed in Fortnite. Maybe get him less hooked on that and focus more on all the things you listed that will help him thrive. All of those things are things you can help with as his parent.

He isn't allowed to play Fortnite typically, that's why it was his best part of his day because I let him play an1v1 on Fortnite against his big brother when he's usually not allowed on it.

OP posts:

shams05 · 15/08/2024 16:17

Left handed 5/6 year old.
My DD is left handed and in reception this was her writing style.
She'll be starting year 4 in September and she's had a pen licence for a few months now.

DelphiniumBlue · 15/08/2024 16:15

He's clearly struggling with motor skills, so get him to an occupational therapist - you might be able to get help from school, or maybe you will need to go private. Speak to the SENDCO at school, ask what help they can provide and take it from there. If his school has any TAs, they might be able to assist, but that's increasingly unlikely.
Meanwhile, to practice fine motor skills, play games like Chinese checkers, get him making patterns on peg boards, or picking up raisins one by one. You could also get him to do drawing /colouring exercises to practice pen control. You'll find downloadable sheets on Twinkl. I wouldn't start with making him do letters at this point, especially if he's being resistant to writing, but more things like staying between 2 wriggly lines.

dizzydizzydizzy · 15/08/2024 16:13

He sounds dyspraxic. Think my brother is too. He couldn't tie his shoe laces until he was about 11 or 12. Also didn't walk til he was 2.5. He is grown up now with a happy family life and a good job).

mathanxiety · 15/08/2024 16:12

Odearr · 15/08/2024 16:04

He is 7.5 going into year 3 in September
Also struggles with other physical skills e.g struggles to use a knife and fork (well, literally can't use a knife and fork can only use a fork, can for example use a knife to push beans or whatever into the fork he uses his hands) can't swim at all despite being in lessons for over a year, I bought him some school shorts and he couldn't wear them because they had a button instead of a clasp and he couldn't manage it no matter how much time I spent trying to show him how.
he's recently started really hating school and getting very tearful about it, I'm wondering if there's something going on for him as to why he's hating it so much

You should get an assessment done for a fine motor skills defecit and plan of action to support his development in that area.

Cheesecakelunch · 15/08/2024 16:09

He's clearly very well versed in Fortnite. Maybe get him less hooked on that and focus more on all the things you listed that will help him thrive. All of those things are things you can help with as his parent.

PingPongPiddlyPong · 15/08/2024 16:09

Possible dyspraxia/dyslexia?

BusMumsHoliday · 15/08/2024 16:07

Odearr · 15/08/2024 16:04

He is 7.5 going into year 3 in September
Also struggles with other physical skills e.g struggles to use a knife and fork (well, literally can't use a knife and fork can only use a fork, can for example use a knife to push beans or whatever into the fork he uses his hands) can't swim at all despite being in lessons for over a year, I bought him some school shorts and he couldn't wear them because they had a button instead of a clasp and he couldn't manage it no matter how much time I spent trying to show him how.
he's recently started really hating school and getting very tearful about it, I'm wondering if there's something going on for him as to why he's hating it so much

From what you've described here, I do think an OT assessment would be appropriate. Have you raised your concerns with school?

Original poster

Odearr · 15/08/2024 16:04

He is 7.5 going into year 3 in September
Also struggles with other physical skills e.g struggles to use a knife and fork (well, literally can't use a knife and fork can only use a fork, can for example use a knife to push beans or whatever into the fork he uses his hands) can't swim at all despite being in lessons for over a year, I bought him some school shorts and he couldn't wear them because they had a button instead of a clasp and he couldn't manage it no matter how much time I spent trying to show him how.
he's recently started really hating school and getting very tearful about it, I'm wondering if there's something going on for him as to why he's hating it so much

OP posts:

YouCantBeSadHoldingACupcake · 15/08/2024 16:03

6 ish maybe. Some kids will have neater handwriting earlier, but that looks similar to my 6 year olds, and I have no concerns that he is behind.

BMW6 · 15/08/2024 16:01

4? 5? 6?

Butterworths · 15/08/2024 16:01

Looks like near end of reception to me (as in that's when my DS had that curly lettering with lots of backwards letters) but there's a big range of normal!

MyOtherHusbandIsAWash · 15/08/2024 16:00

Maybe 4 or possibly 5? I can’t say I’m an expert at all, mine are too young!

petitdonkey · 15/08/2024 15:59

Well, as he’s on Fortnite, assuming he’s 13+? 😉

I would guess that he’s six.

SophieJo · 15/08/2024 15:59

I would say about Reception age.

Starlingexpress · 15/08/2024 15:58

OP this type of thread never ends well. You’re going to have people pontificating about their 2 year old producing war and peace.

You would be much better sharing how old your son is yourself and people will be happy to provide advice and support if required.

Guessing threads bring out the worst of some posters on MN, regardless of the subject.

Dinosaursdontgrowontrees · 15/08/2024 15:58

I would guess 6. Is he left handed?

KnickerlessFlannel · 15/08/2024 15:57

Just finishing reception?

TokyoSushi · 15/08/2024 15:55

Reception