Handwriting and Touch Typing

Some dyslexic people have poor fine motor skills, this can make it difficult for them to use a pencil or pen.

Some dyslexic people may also be dyspraxic. Click here for a link to the  Dyspraxia Foundation

It is important that children are taught to hold a pencil and to form letters correctly right from the start.

Young children often form letters incorrectly and it is not always easy in a large class for the teacher to spot. Incorrectly formed letters cause problems when the child starts to learn to join up.

If you notice a child is struggling early intervention and one to one work with a classroom assistant can help prevent difficulties later on. Whole class teaching on an interactive whiteboard with a good handwriting program can help to promote good practice.

We recommend that dyslexic children are taught using a joined cursive script see BDA Help with Handwriting.

There are many very good writing aids on the market which help the child to hold a pencil in the correct manner. Special Direct and Crossbow have a good selection. Plastic grips can encourage the child to use the correct pincer grip and elastic wrist and pencil holders will encourage the correct pencil angle.

                      

After one to one intervention if a child still has difficulty holding a pencil or his writing is very slow and laboured, learning to touch type may be the best solution. There are some excellent typing programs on the market which are fun to use.

Type to Learn is a good example but there are some free versions on the internet see the Software page under I.C.T. Free Downloads.

Cursive Writing

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