Helpful Hints For Writing
Forming Letters on the Line
Try using a highlighter to highlight the bottom and top lines of the paper to provide an extra visual cue for the student to write between the lines.
Writes too big
Provide boxes for each word or individual letter
Highlight the boundaries for writing, for example, the area between the dotted middle line and the bottom writing line
Writes too small
Work on a vertical surface to encourage larger arm movements; for example, chalkboard or tape paper to wall
Make posters encouraging the child to write big
Too Much Pressure When Writing
If the student is pressing too hard when writing, the student can try using a mechanical pencil to prevent them from pressing too hard.
Too Little Pressure when Writing
If the student's writing is not dark enough, please remind the student to try writing with a softer lead pencil or marker. Additionally, you can encourage hand strengthening activities; for example, play games with clothespins and clay and encourage squeezing and pulling activities.
Words are not between the lines
Highlight the bottom half of the writing line; the area between the dotted middle line and the bottom writing line
Use wix stick on lines for tactile cue
Forming Proper Sized Letters
Try highlighting the paper or using special paper to provide the student with an extra visual cue of where the lower case letters should be formed.
Spacing for Letters
Please provide verbal reminders for the student to use a finger width/space, popsicle stick, small-sized colored paper clip, sticker between each word, or small dot with a pencil as a spacer between words. You can also highlight the space between each word; if the highlighter touches any letters then the words are too close together.
Hand Dominance
The student is having difficulty establishing the use of a dominant hand. Place items in the center and have student automatically pick up the item of choice. Typically hand dominance preference is reached by age 6.
Tactile Cues to Start Writing
For additional cue for where to start writing, place a waxed string (wikki stik), ruler, or strip of dried glue on the left side of the margin to provide a tactile (touch) and visual reminder to start writing left to write.
Starting Writing
Some students are not sure where to start writing on the paper. Highlight or darken the left margin of the paper to provide a visual cue for the student to begin writing on the left side of the paper.
Stopping Writing
write too much at the end of the line rather than starting a new line. Please highlight or darken the line on the right side of the paper for a visual cue that the line is ending.
Writing from
Left to Right
To reinforce writing from left to right, please draw a green line vertically down the left side of the page and a red line vertically down the right side of the paper.