Handwriting and fine motor skills
Help for children whose writing is slow, messy or tiring, or who find cutting, drawing or buttons hard. Practical, play-based, and in touch with the school if you wish.
Signs parents and teachers notice
- Writing is slow, hard to read or tiring
- The pencil grip looks uncomfortable or keeps changing
- Your child avoids drawing, colouring or writing
- Cutting, buttons or zips are hard
- Letters are formed in unusual ways, or the hand hurts after a few lines
- Copying from the board takes a long time
How I help
First I look at the whole child: posture, shoulder and hand strength, coordination, how they organise space on the page, and attention. Then we practise real strokes and letters in short, fun sessions, because research shows that practising writing itself is what improves handwriting. Games for strong hands are great play, alongside practice, not instead of it.
- Posture, seating and paper position
- Pencil grip and pressure
- Pre-writing strokes in the right order, then letters
- Speed and ease of writing
- Arabic, French and English writing, right to left and left to right
Before writing: pre-writing (ages 3 to 6)
Before letters come lines: down, across, circles, crosses, diagonals, then shapes. Big movements on the floor and on the wall come before small ones on paper.
Working with the school
With your agreement, I can share practical ideas with the teacher, for example seating, paper position or how to give instructions.
Questions about handwriting
From what age?
Pre-writing from about age 3, and handwriting at any school age.
Is it dysgraphia?
A diagnosis is made by a doctor. I describe the difficulties and work on them with your child.
Should my child learn to type?
For some children, learning to type is a useful extra alongside handwriting. We can talk about it together.
Is writing a daily struggle?
Send me a message on WhatsApp for a free 15-minute call, or get my free guide first.