Handwriting- can't or won't?

[100greenbottles]

Help please! Ds in y5 has always had wild messy writing. He can write neater and form letters correctly but it takes much longer and years of nagging, workbooks etc isn't helping. He's a bit slow with other small motor skills, nothing dramatic. Is it likely there's an issue that needs help? Or more that he just needs to prioritise it? School just suggest practice.

The only thing we've found to genuinely make a difference is an intensive handwriting programme. The one we use is a two week problem and they children have at least half an hour a day in structured sessions and don't do any written work outside of those sessions. The idea is to break existing habits. The difference it makes is astounding.

Has he seen an occupational therapist.strengthening the shoulder girdle can help. Animal walks, wheel barrows etc. Also worth learning to touch type. A very useful skill for all.

I definitely second strengthening the arm muscles, they have to be developed so that the control comes in the arm and hand. This is why you often see nursery or reception children painting fences with water! Climbing on monkey bars in the park or like the other posters said doing wheel barrow races or monkey walking.

I would definitely see an OT. Also lots of fine motor exercises - colouring dot to dot Lego etc. Please also speak to your SENCO they should be able to help

My DS was the same and we did writing every say which really sorted it out. sometimes it can be a combination of can't and won't! Usually, won't because it is far more effort than for a typically abled child. I think get him to write every day and after a month if no improvement see OT.