Handwriting

[imnotmamagbutshelovesme]

DS1 doesn't seem to enjoy handwriting, and it is quite messy. Don't know if it is just because he would rather be doing something else or whether he can't write better. He rushes when writing.

How do I get him to do it neater and enjoy it more?

DD is 5 (he is 7) and writes beautifully.

I always had messy handwriting in school - it got better, but it's never going to be copperplate. It pissed me off when teachers went on more about handwriting than about the bloody story I'd written. As long as it's readable, that should do, I reckon.

I'm not sure. I suppose to improve his handwriting he needs to practice. But if he doesn't enjoy it, making him do more of it would most likely make things worse.

Maybe more colouring, dot-to-dot things, that sort of stuff to strengthen his grip? Perhaps he doesn't like it because it makes his hand ache. Maybe as you say he'd rather be doing something else. If it's not really causing him a problem then maybe leave him to do it in his own time.

I would say that even my children with the scrattiest writing at 7yo improved as they got older without us doing anything special.

Sounds like me as a child. I adored my English teacher (age about 12) who was the only one not to criticise, and also pointed out when I apologised in advance for a messy essay expecting grief that (a) it was the content that counted, and (b) 99% of adults have dreadfully messy handwriting, and that therefore it could be taken as a sign of maturity.

It is hard as primary school children are judged on their writing more than any other group of people.

What are the school doing? Are they doing anything to help? If his hand hurts you could try a pencil grip. I have found the cheapest place to get pencil grips is e bay.

There is a free website with animations where they tell you to trace the letters with your index finger until you are familiar with the shape. They also give pictures of how to hold a pen. www.firstforllearning.com