Handwriting
We have computers; why learn to write?
The National Handwriting Association highlight how in recent years, modern technology has dramatically changed the way we communicate through writing. However, despite the increased use of computers for writing, the skill of handwriting remains important in education, employment and in everyday life.
So how can you help your child?
Time devoted to the teaching and learning of letter formation in the early years will pay off. The British Association for Early Childhood Education provides some excellent general advice on how you as a caring adult can help develop children’s early writing.
They recommend that to help your child learn to write:
- Understand that learning to write takes a few years.
- Avoid ‘correcting’ or ‘teaching’ as children can lose interest in doing it at all.
- Help them enjoy the process of mark-making and with regular praise for anything they produce they will write more often and so get better at it.
- Provide endless supplies of paper, crayons, felt tips and paint. Young children will be happy with rolls of old wallpaper and scrap.
- Relax and even start working alongside your child on your own piece of paper when they have got going.
- Try mark making outdoors by getting out some chalks. This is great for helping children to learn to control their movements and the chalk won’t leave any permanent damage.
- For happy early mark-making:
- be ready to join in the drawing and painting
- look out for washable paints and felt tips
- show children how you write
- write notes and letters to your child
- avoid ‘teaching’ and ‘correcting’ children
Their advice also provides some useful guidance on common worries that parents may have regarding their child’s handwriting. Please read through this information, try some of the techniques and speak with your child’s teacher first about your concerns before contacting our specialist service.
Above all, mark-making must be fun for children and remember that children need to see the adults around them writing. If you struggle with reading or writing as an adult and would like help with this contact The National Literacy Trust, who are a national charity dedicated to raising literacy levels in the UK.
Useful resources that will help you with ideas include the Make and Colour section of CBeebies and the craft section of Sesame Street. Enjoy!
Rydym yn croesawu gohebiaeth a galwadau ffôn yn y Gymraeg neu'r Saesneg. Atebir gohebiaeth Gymraeg yn y Gymraeg, ac ni fydd hyn yn arwain at oedi. Mae’r dudalen hon ar gael yn Gymraeg drwy bwyso’r botwm ar y dde ar frig y dudalen.
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