Ideas to improve spelling/ handwriting in 9 year old boy

[raspberryroop]

I have a 9 year old boy who has always been a little behind with reading and writing - tests as non dyslexic but was very uninterested in school for the 1st two years. Toe to toe has vastly improved his reading but his spelling and hand writing are still poor and wondered if anyone has any ideas for us to improve these at home. thanks

Write from the start or Speed Up for writing

Apples and pears or Word Wasp for spelling

Thanks Indigo - have read lots of your posts before.

It's seems counterintuive to use thin pencils (all the ergonomic writing implements are very chunky) but I've found that encouraging ds to use automatic penicils has helped. Basically if you press too hard (one of the reasons his handwriting is so dire) then the lead snaps!

The perfect pencil I reckon would be something like a Yoropen or an EASYergo only with a thin lead - I've not found one though.

If he really, really struggles (as opposed to just the one "really") then it could backfire however, and be too frustrating.

I'd ask your GP to refer him to a paediatric OT ( or school should also be able to refer him). They will be able to see if there are any specific physical problems preventing him from writing well and advise on exercises that can help. They can also advise the school on how best to help him.

Also see www.manchester-tutor.co.uk/question-and-answers where I have given some fun ideas to help with handwriting and spelling