While we do use the computer and keyboard a lot, we still need to write with paper and pencil. Our students must learn how to write efficiently and with ease. We must teach them quickly and help them feel comfortable with this process.
Some pedagogy advocates for “free writing,” or writing without instruction, I have found this to be counterproductive.
When I tutor a child who has not been instructed in proper handwriting, I see the following problems:
1. Pencil Grip Problems
2. Inefficient Handwriting
The Pencil Grip problems can be very difficult to overcome. In fact, I’ve often found this problem impossible to change once a child reaches the age of 7 or so. Muscle memory is automatic and too much effort and time to undo.
What is inefficient handwriting or penmanship? This is when children form letters at their own discretion. This letter writing is cumbersome and takes a lot more time than needed.
The key to teaching handwriting is not only to show the children how to write the letters and to practice, but from the very beginning to demonstrate mistakes you have seen in writing the letters.
The teacher can say: “This is what kids do that makes this letter look funny and wrong.” Or “Make your letters like this but don’t do it like this…” Then write the letter incorrectly, talk about what is wrong with it and put a big X on the letter. This shows what to avoid when practicing writing. The teacher or tutor will then see children practicing their handwriting while avoiding the mistakes. Always correct any errors immediately and keep a watchful eye on this work. Don’t let children develop bad habits.
This seems like it would be “negative” teaching but actually what we’re doing here is just helping children avoid the common pitfalls and mistakes we see when writing. This technique is KEY to teaching writing and can be brought over into other areas of instruction such as punctuation.
I have included a private video here for teaching handwriting. You can share the video if you like but it’s not public on Youtube.
Happy teaching!
