How to improve handwriting in Year 11

[DCIJackieDeering]

DD has bad handwriting, not helped by dyslexia so the spelling is also quite creative. The school have now said this needs to improve before GCSE, but given no idea as to how. Can anyone recommend any resources?

@DCIJackieDeering you need to talk to your SENCO about having your DD assessed for access arrangements. It's possible she may be able to use a word processor. Info here: www.jcq.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/JCQ-AARA-24-25_FINAL_2024.pdf

Thanks @goldenpair she had an assessment at the end of last term, we’re still waiting for the results. But I will message them and chase. I know DD isn’t keen as she thinks she writes faster than she types, but she’s getting better

Is it about improving stamina or ledgebility?

For stamina get him to play with plasticine to build up his hand muscles, get him to write / copy out notes etc for longer periods, exams are more than an hour.

If it's ledgebility maybe try out different pens, also get one of these handwriting practice books to help.

If not done already also apply for additional time.

Try a range of pens.
Try printing instead of cursive.
Try alternate lines.

I recommend triangular pens. I'm.a teacher and use these myself. As someone else mentioned printing rather than joined up writing

Thank you, the issue is legibility and can the examiner read what she’s written. Well look for different pens. I’ve also orders some Year 6 handwriting books for practice

DD's tutor said by using alternate lines not only her readability improved but also her accuracy / spag.

We would be testing her typing speed and then providing handwriting lessons if she was writing more quickly.

Thank you, definitely some good things to talk to her tutor about next week

She may be able to write faster than she can type, but can she write LEGIBLY faster than she can type?

Talk to the SENCO and establish using a word processor as the normal way of working. If that is done in good time then they can use it in exams.