Handwriting - how worried should we be?

[ftm42]

My ES, who is 13, uses a PC in school for much of his writing as his handwriting is so appalling. He wrote some notes to help YS, who is 8, yesterday and my YS had to come to me to ask if I could read ESs writing as he couldn't!

His spelling is brilliant but his punctuation is non-existent - he doesn't leave spaces between words, use commas, capitals etc. hence the use of the PC!! Sentences just come out as a continuous line of ill-formed letters! His school have said he will be allowed to use the PC when it comes to GCSEs as he has 'set a precedent' by using it now.

However, should we really be getting him to practise writing by hand too, as he won't be able to fill in forms [eg] in future using the PC unless they are all supplied for him.

This is a major issue I have at the moment. So far the school have refused to do anything and said handwriting wont matter because the whole world will be computer based.

However, because I am an older mum, I expect my kids to be able to write and want them to write. Whilst typing is great, that is a skill in itself and I want my children to know, use and understand punctuation.

I dont know what happens in high schools, but surely they must still write their class work during lessons?

This is the problem when schools want to develop creativity to the detriment of punctuation.

I think you should be very worried. Of course there will be times in his life when he needs to write legibly.

If he doesn't use spaces in between words is it possible he has a visual perception problem?

Correcting the spaces between words would be the first thing I would work on.

I'd be a bit worried TBH. Is he dyspraxic/reason for his handwriting - or is it just not good. Presumably the school are happy for him to use PC when rest of class isn't - did they supply it for him.

My DS year 6 has poor handwriting and teachers have really focussed on this and his spelling which is also poor. His comprehension/reading/language etc are excellent. I'm really unhappy about him using a computer more than he has to, to get this skill sorted. Maybe like you I'm old , but agree that if handwriting and punctuation has to be used - exams, job applications - it MUST be good. Illegible scripts are binned by examiners? Also, unfortunately, people do judge by handwriting/spelling.

Maybe talk to school special needs to get extra help at writing (or just set it for him yourself!! You'll be so popular at home!)

This sort of thing makes me cross - school can make all sorts of allowances for pupils and exam requirements because they can, but doesn't prepare them for the world outside, which is I suspect far more unsympathetic. The job market is unforgiving. It's easy for the school to push the problem under the carpet and bring out the laptop.