He is just a sloppy writer!

 

 

 He is just a sloppy writer!

 

Sometimes poor handwriting is more than just being sloppy.  Some kids (and adults) struggle with “dysgraphia”.  Dysgraphia includes problems with poor spacing when writing, poor spatial planning on paper, difficulty forming letters, difficulty copying from the board and troubles with writing and thinking at the same time.

 

What are the signs of dysgraphia?

According to Learning Disabilities Association of America signs and symptoms include

·         May have illegible printing and cursive writing (despite appropriate time and attention given the task).

·         Show inconsistencies: mixes print and cursive, upper and lower case, or irregular sizes, shapes or slant of letters.

·         Has unfinished words or letters and omitted words.

·         Inconsistent spacing between words and letters.

·         Unusual wrist, body or paper positioning.

·         Has difficulty pre-visualizing letter formation.

·         Copying or writing is slow or labored.

·         Shows poor spatial planning on paper.

·         Gets hand cramps or may complain of a sore hand.

·         Unusual pencil grip.

 

Compensatory strategies and accommodations can be used for students with dysgraphia.  There are also many ways for a child to learn better handwriting skills and to strengthen his or her fine motor skills to improve writing ability.  Occupational therapists specialize in helping children learn better handwriting skills.  At the Rosenberg Center we use a program called “Handwriting Without Tears” to help your child learn to be the best writer they can be!