Help w/ 7 y/o handwriting..

[jasonsmommy05]

I need some advice, tips.. anything. My 7 y/o son is in 1st grade. He is reading past grade level, doing well in all other aspects of school... except his handwriting. It is so sloppy. Its very hard to read, the words run together or are too far apart.. and sometimes the letters are formed poorly. Its getting to the point that his grades are suffering because the teacher can't read his work. We practice every night at home, he knows to take his time and slow down (though i don't think he does at school) offer rewards and we even are starting to take away things if it doesn't improve. I don't know what else to do. It seems he doesn't care about it.. or he gets really upset and says he can't do it. I know he can because there have been a few times where his writing has been decent..

Help me please.. I don't want this to be an ongoing problem for him!

[maxswolfsuit]

Try introducing him to cursive. That could be easier for him. 

[jasonsmommy05]

really? i would think that would be harder...

Quoting maxswolfsuit:

Try introducing him to cursive. That could be easier for him. 

[maxswolfsuit]

For some kids it is, but for others it isn't. 

It's faster and more fluid than printing. Sometimes that makes it easier for students who are focused on what they are writing rather than forming the letters. 

Quoting jasonsmommy05:

really? i would think that would be harder...

Quoting maxswolfsuit:

Try introducing him to cursive. That could be easier for him. 

[mommaslilmen]

Practice practice practice. Have him write a ton of things, help make the shopping lists, chore lists, write notes to grandparents and friends. Start by making a space rule, and the three line rule (if his letters are getting too big)

[mommaslilmen]

http://kidshealth.org/kid/grow/school_stuff/handwriting.html#

http://www.fonts4teachersblog.com/20-awesome-tips-teaching-kids-penmanship/

http://parentingsquad.com/seven-tips-to-help-improve-your-childs-handwriting

[nomadbrat83]

Yep I find when I wrote for school cursive was easier. Also my handwriting in cursive is much better than my printing

Quoting maxswolfsuit:

For some kids it is, but for others it isn't. 

It's faster and more fluid than printing. Sometimes that makes it easier for students who are focused on what they are writing rather than forming the letters. 

Quoting jasonsmommy05:

really? i would think that would be harder...

Quoting maxswolfsuit:

Try introducing him to cursive. That could be easier for him. 

[VeronicaTex]

That is encouraging to me that you know he can do it and have seen it!!! :)

I am wondering if you could get some graph paper that is close to the size of the letters that he is expected to print,  would that be helpful in keeping lines straight and the humps and circle-type parts of letters more "healthy looking"?  You can use empty blocks to space the words.

Of course there are books that you can find in bookstores that will help with the printing process.

Good luck to you!!!!

Veronica

[bramamber]

Request that the school's OT evaluate. Sounds like my son's handwriting 2 years ago. It has approved so much with OT.

[melisawoosley]

Practice practice practice. And cursive was easier for me and im currently teaching my 7 year old :)

[mjande4]

Is he a lefty or righty?