Did you know poor handwriting fluency in early childhood has been used as a predictor for reading ability?
There is a growing body of evidence suggesting there are specific cognitive benefits of handwriting during early childhood. These cognitive benefits include:
- brain development
- working memory
- translation of thought-to-script; and
- overall writing quality and production.
A study in Perth WA, examined the influence of handwriting automaticity in the writing and reading performance of Year 1 students. The results of the study concluded that handwriting fluency could be used to predict writing quality and reading skills a year later.
The research noted that poor handwriting automaticity hinders vocabulary selection, ideation and revision, while also affecting motivation, writing development and, in turn, academic success.
As parents, we want to ensure we give our children the best opportunities to be successful readers and writers. However, we don’t often know how to do this or what it actually involves. Many of us believe that our early childhood educators will address poor number and letter formation, but unfortunately this isn’t always the case.
Our tutors are available to work one-on-one with your child using the Peterson Directed Handwriting technique. This technique focuses on smooth, rhythmic motion with verbal prompts to improve attention span, motor skills, muscle memory and ultimately handwriting fluency. The goal is to eventually create ‘instant words’ which can be easily written with minimal use of the visual feedback system. The word patterns free up brain processing power to focus on composition of the message rather than thinking about how to put the letters together on the page.
If your child comes on board for tutoring with us and we notice poor handwriting, we will reteach correct handwriting habits. We focus on:
- correct pencil grip
- correct posture
- correct letter and number formation
- handwriting fluency
With daily handwriting practice at home, a huge difference can be seen in as little as 2 weeks. At first, you will need to demonstrate correct posture, pencil grip and letter formation. A sharp pencil with an eraser on the end is also handy and you will need to demonstrate that they must stay within the dotted third lines. Remember to also encourage your child to place their free hand on the desk top as well. Surprisingly, many children let this arm hang or use it as a head rest. We discourage this poor posture and encourage the free hand to hold down their page or book.
Using a traceable handwriting book is a self guided exercise children can complete on their own from a young age. These #1 Best sellers from Amazon will have your child improving their handwriting whilst learning fun facts or high frequency words that are often commonly misspelt.
This #1 Best seller from Amazon will have your child improving their handwriting whilst expanding their general knowledge and vocabulary as they learn fun science facts too!
Handwriting drills are a great warm up before heading off to school or it can be incorporated into your after school homework routine.
We also love this #1 Best seller from Amazon for 5-8yrs olds. These activities will target their handwriting whilst expanding their vocabulary with the added bonus of creating long term muscle memory as they practice writing 200 high frequency words!
Remember all kids like to be acknowledged for their achievements and work better when they are going to receive something for their efforts. Agreeing on a special reward to celebrate the handwriting improvements is important. Earning a pack of coloured erasable pens from Amazon are often a favourite choice with our students.
*This post contains affiliate links to Amazon, meaning I may earn a commission if you purchase through my links.
