Handwriting & options yr 9

[Starmummy]

Ds has just had his mid term report and has dropped in all subjects except 3 where he remianed the same.

In advance of parents evening next week and the stat of all the options discussions it transpires (no s%&$ sherlock) that its his handwriting. He cant write clearly, credibly or enough content for the level he is expected to be at.

Any advice on how to improve his handwriting? Everything I have googled appears to be for much younger children (no I am not surprised. Because he struggles to write and doesnt get enough on paper (lesson notes and homework) he is now demotivated to the extent that he isnt even trying. I have been asking the various schools he has been at for help. So far nothing from anyone.

I know he is an middle of the road kid but he is sliding downwards all the time now. He and I both need help to resolve this.

Any ideas please? TIA

My DS had awful handwriting which is dramatically improved by using a fountain pen as it forces them to hold it a certain way to write with. Has he tried one? (DS likes the ones about £10 in WHSmiths with a good grippy bit)

I asked for advice on here about my DS a while back. The main advice was to try lots of different types of pens, to see which ones were better, and to get him to space out his work more. Then just to practice! It has got a lot better, just with him focussing on it.

The amount of content is a different problem though - maybe he could practice thinking up answers and recording them on tape if he finds it hard to write fast enough to get his thoughts on paper. Or sit and think through what he wants to say, and make notes, before he gets to the actual writing.

LOL at pens, we have more pens than I knew could ever be invented. Totally agree with the fountain pen. At his last school it was compulsory, and it made a difference as I think they write more slowly so have more time to forumulate in their minds the letters and words.

Good idea about recording ideas, that might help. Likewise making notes, although he would consider that the actual work.