DS Yr 1 can't write

[WineAndChocolate]

I have posted on here about my son's handwriting before but this time I dont need advice on how to improve his writing because we are doing everything necessary. He does hand exercises and upper body exercises. He also has specialist hand theraphy through his OT. He has very very hypermobile hands and low muscle tone.

What I am asking now is what are the implications of his hand writing being totally illegible. What is going to happen next year when he has Sats etc?

His OT thinks that he will eventually need to use a key writer if it doesnt improve dramatically but she wants to give him a chance first so not for another couple of years. In the meantime, how is he going to get through Year 2 without being able to write anything legible.

I assume the school will have to have someone act as a scribe for him in the sats exams.

DS1 struggled with handwriting due to retained reflexes (now sorted with an OT) and his school accepted homework in Yrs 1-3 that I had typed or written longhand from his dictation. They also tried different pencil grips and a stabilo easy ergo which helped a bit with legibility.

Sorry - meant to ask - Can he read what he has written? At least then he can read it out to someone so they can assess the content even if they can't always read it.

If his lack of dexterity is an agreed problem I can't see why typing can't be acceptable solution.

Thanks for the replies. School/OT dont usually let them type until Year 3 so that it gives them a chance to do it on their own which I suppose is fair enough.

Chazs, he can read what he writes straight after he has written it because he knows what he has just written but no, I dont think he would be able to read what he has written if he went away and came back to it.

Ignore the year 2 sats. They don't mean diddly squat. Your son's school will know about his difficulties and can pass on information to his next teacher. Sats are meant to assess the school not the child ( although even that is questionable) so don't mean anything. When you son's motor skills improve or he starts to use a key writer, that's when he will realise his full potential so just focus on then and forget the stupid sats!

If his handwriting is a problem then cant the school provide him with a scribe for SATS? They do in year 6.

Would they let him dictate answers on to something like this?
www.amazon.co.uk/Sony-ICD-BX112-Digital-voice-recorder/dp/B004SO876S/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1335385843&sr=8-1

My DD also has very low tone and hypermobile fingers. She is in reception and school have already ordered her a laptop - takes a while through LA apparently so they did it asap! We've also been told by OT about the Dragon programme which is voice recognition - maybe that would work for your DS when it comes to SATS.

From what I understand, they can and will scribe for YR 2 Sats.

I would also question your school about typing before Yr 3 - we've been told the sooner we get started on touch typing, the better!

I can't believe I have never heard about this condition. My little boy is in Year 1, and had always had trouble with his writing, often resting his head on the table when he does so, constantly walks into things and is very clumsy! Are these the classic signs of low tone?

Hi all look up dysgraphia - ds being assessed this week

Heartstart, could you tell me how you are getting assessed. Did the school pick up on it, or did you go via your local GP? Thank you

Hi Banyan3

Sorry missed your query. He is being assessed by school. this happened after we (DH and I) raised concerns with class teacher. He is in year 3 and has had ongoing problems with additional support on and off