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Issues writing by hand

Luna

Am I the only one who finds it hard to write by hand with a pen or pencil? I first had this issue at school I couldn't hold the pencil steady and my writing looked horrific, teachers kept telling me off for it. It's no better now - probably a bit worse. I really struggle to keep hold of the pen now and the words sort of go all over the place. I tried writing Christmas cards when I woke up and omg they came out terribly. I remember now why I do all my writing on the laptop lol. My step sister is going to write the cards for me because her handwriting looks fancy and nice, but I am still disappointed I can't do this simple thing.

Parents

  • Hi Luna!

    I hope you get some helpful insight into your handwriting struggles so you can decide whether to pursue it or not, or just work around it.

    But in you do decide to pursue it, writing by hand is generally considered (by neuroscientists) good for the brain, particularly when learning and studying.  I can recommend Rosemary Sassoon (Improve Your Handwriting) - I'll post a pic of one of her books in a minute (from my phone, I have tech issues.). Please note however I don't think the book has any specific guidance for dysgraphia.

    Anyway I helped a teenager improve his writing -  his writing was pretty untidy but also he couldn't write fast enough.  

    - We diagnosed his specific practical issues by using the Rosemary Sassoon book.
    - I wrote him out an alphabet in a style similar to his (so he could try to make his letters more consistent) 
    - we worked on his pencil grip a lot - he was holding it very tightly
    - I told him to stop worrying about joining up all the letters - just join some but it looks ok if you leave some unjoined which gives your hand a moment rest (if that makes sense)
    - some people are much neater when they print capitals (for notes/headings - probably not Christmas cards as it will look like shouting LOL)
    - he set himself a challenge (writing out the lyrics to a song) and practised over and over.  Well actually, being a teenage boy he wasn't as consistent in the practice as we would have liked.  And the result wasn't perfect but definitely a big improvement.

    Food for thought.  But if you're interested in the book I'd recommend you try to get from a library or something first to see if you think it's helpful.

    All the best Slight smile

Reply

  • Hi Luna!

    I hope you get some helpful insight into your handwriting struggles so you can decide whether to pursue it or not, or just work around it.

    But in you do decide to pursue it, writing by hand is generally considered (by neuroscientists) good for the brain, particularly when learning and studying.  I can recommend Rosemary Sassoon (Improve Your Handwriting) - I'll post a pic of one of her books in a minute (from my phone, I have tech issues.). Please note however I don't think the book has any specific guidance for dysgraphia.

    Anyway I helped a teenager improve his writing -  his writing was pretty untidy but also he couldn't write fast enough.  

    - We diagnosed his specific practical issues by using the Rosemary Sassoon book.
    - I wrote him out an alphabet in a style similar to his (so he could try to make his letters more consistent) 
    - we worked on his pencil grip a lot - he was holding it very tightly
    - I told him to stop worrying about joining up all the letters - just join some but it looks ok if you leave some unjoined which gives your hand a moment rest (if that makes sense)
    - some people are much neater when they print capitals (for notes/headings - probably not Christmas cards as it will look like shouting LOL)
    - he set himself a challenge (writing out the lyrics to a song) and practised over and over.  Well actually, being a teenage boy he wasn't as consistent in the practice as we would have liked.  And the result wasn't perfect but definitely a big improvement.

    Food for thought.  But if you're interested in the book I'd recommend you try to get from a library or something first to see if you think it's helpful.

    All the best Slight smile

Children
  • in reply to Helen

    Thanks so much! This was a big help to me - I'll try to find the book. I'm in town now it's so cold but the library is shut so I'll have to come back *rolls eyes*

    That's so cool and really lovely you teaching that boy to improve his writing. I could do with you here! Wink

    Thanks so much for replying!