Are you concerned about your child’s handwriting? Maybe your child avoids writing, reverses letters or numbers, holds the pencil in an unusual way, or has spacing that is hard to read. If so, Enrichment Therapy & Learning Center can help. Our speech-language pathologists and learning specialists are trained in the Handwriting Without Tears (HWT) program from Learning Without Tears, and we can use HWT strategies during speech-language therapy or tutoring sessions.
Why Is It Important to Work on Handwriting?
To become proficient writers, students need to write quickly and automatically. If they have to spend brain power and time thinking about letter formation, they have fewer “cognitive resources” left to plan and organize their writing. In addition, students with handwriting difficulties may struggle with typing later on, because the working memory, attention, and motor planning skills they build while forming letters also support typing.
Handwriting is connected to reading and spelling, too. When children learn how to form the letter m, they can also be learning its sound. Students also do best when they write in a form similar to what they see in books and on screens. If their handwriting looks very different from printed text, a word’s shape and size may look unfamiliar, which can make it harder to connect reading and spelling the same word.
Handwriting difficulties can also show up alongside reading or writing challenges, attention differences, or lower confidence in school. When writing feels like hard work, a child may avoid it, and they may have less energy left for ideas, details, and organization.
Benefits of Good Handwriting
- Letters and shapes: Handwriting can make letters and shapes easier to learn.
- Writing: Smoother handwriting can support idea composition and expression.
- Motor skills: Handwriting practice helps develop fine-motor skills.
- Memory: Writing by hand can help children remember information.
How Old Do Students Have to Be to Work on Handwriting?
Students of all ages can benefit from the HWT program. Most HWT workbooks target pre-K through fifth grade, but the worksheets can also be adapted for middle school and high school students.
For children younger than pre-K, many play activities support later handwriting skills. For example, drawing with chalk, using a magnetic fishing rod to catch fish, and playing games that build body awareness all help develop the foundation for writing. In fact, simply playing games with your child lets you start building pre-writing skills early on.
What Is Handwriting Without Tears?
HWT is a multi-sensory handwriting program that groups letters by shared formation patterns. For example, the “diver letter” group includes lowercase b, p, m, n, r, and h. All of these letters start at the top, so the child “dives down” with their pencil before “swimming back up” to complete the rest of the letter.
HWT encourages students to form their letters the same way every time, which can help reduce errors and letter reversals, like writing a b instead of a d. As part of the program, wooden blocks also help students understand how letter and number parts combine to create the whole shape. The program can be used for first-time instruction or for handwriting support, and it can be especially helpful for students who reverse letters or numbers or who struggle with the order in which letters are written.
Ways to Support Handwriting at Home
Handwriting is a complex skill that involves coordination of the eyes, arms, hands, posture, and grip. At home, you can support these skills with everyday activities.
- Active play: Playing ball, playing with marbles, or outdoor sports can build coordination and visual-motor skills.
- Mealtime: Using silverware at meals can help develop hand grip.
- Hand exercises: Kneading dough or using cookie cutters can strengthen the hands.
- Real writing: Handwritten letters or thank you notes give a reason to practice.
- Apps: Handwriting apps, such as Handwriting Without Tears Wet-Dry-Try and iWriteWords, can add some variety to practice.
What If We Still Need More Support?
Some students with handwriting difficulties may need a referral to an occupational therapist. For instance, poor grip strength, posture difficulties, or reduced visual-motor integration could all be affecting handwriting. In these cases, an occupational therapist should be part of the handwriting plan, since they can look at muscle strength, coordination, endurance, and motor control.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I be concerned about my child’s handwriting?
It may be time to get support if your child avoids writing, reverses letters or numbers past the early school years, tires quickly when writing, or has handwriting that is hard to read. If you’re not sure, a screening can help you decide what to do next.
Does poor handwriting mean my child has a learning disability?
Not necessarily. Handwriting can be affected by many things, including motor skills, attention, and practice. If you have other concerns about reading or writing, it can help to have those looked at too.
Can handwriting be taught during tutoring or speech-language therapy?
Yes. Our team can use HWT strategies during speech-language therapy or tutoring sessions. If you would like to add handwriting to your child’s sessions, let your therapist or tutor know.
How ETLC Can Help
If your child is struggling with handwriting, our team is here to help. Enrichment Therapy & Learning Center has locations in Johnston and North Liberty, IA, with virtual services also available.
Learn more about tutoring and academic support at ETLC or schedule a free consultation to talk with a member of our team.
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About the Author
Sonia Strueby, M.A., CCC-SLP, is the founder of Enrichment Therapy & Learning Center. With over 25 years of experience as a speech-language pathologist, Sonia has dedicated her career to helping children overcome complex communication and academic challenges. She has advanced training and a special focus on treating dyslexia and childhood apraxia of speech, and she is passionate about providing families with a clear path to success.
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