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isis_mommy
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Joined: September 17 2007
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Posted: November 03 2009 at 12:39pm \| IP Logged

handwriting. UGH.

Any advice? I don't want to make Caleb miserable. But I know he needs alot more help to progress. He can read simple books. He can write his name. He understands words. We do a letter for each week and come up with words for each letter; we do this alongside of his preschool. We continue to practice writing his name at home. and at school. I try to have him write a simple sentence 2x a week regarding something he likes. his writing is huge and all over the place. i don't freak out. i just continue plugging on. he can't stay on the line. coloring--he is making progress but still outside the lines. WHAT have you guys done to encourage better writing? I know this maybe something he always struggles with but we work constantly to have barely legible.

the school system is frustrating me. he gets 30 minutes 1x a month and i am trying to up it to 2x a month. apparently he doesn't need it--because he is in preschool and some kids can't write their name at all. doesn't change the fact that this is a huge struggle for him--and his fine motor issues. he is already loosing out on all of his services because of how 'well' he is doing. which is a crock.

any creative stuff you guys do would be much appreciated. i do shaving cream, paint, crayons, markers, coloring big pictures, name practice, cutting (which he has gotten VERY good at--woohoo!) etc.

thanks!

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mommy to Caleb The Great, 5 yrs

Leeanne
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Joined: March 17 2009
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Posted: November 03 2009 at 12:53pm \| IP Logged

Mazes! If he likes puzzles, then trying to stay in between the lines is a great fine motor skill to practice. Also try threading games (yarn and board with holes).

isis_mommy
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Joined: September 17 2007
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Posted: November 03 2009 at 12:58pm \| IP Logged

MAZES! holy crap GREAT idea! he is fascinated with mazes! i will just have to make BIGGER ones!

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mommy to Caleb The Great, 5 yrs

momof3kidz
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Joined: April 30 2007
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Posted: November 03 2009 at 2:52pm \| IP Logged

Just an idea...what about a dry erase board? They come in many sizes and styles, or a magnadoddle? (I think that is what it is called)

Luckyman327
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Joined: October 25 2006
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Posted: November 03 2009 at 4:23pm \| IP Logged

Tyler has worn out 7 MagnaDoodles and has about 5 dry erase boards.

His First Grade Teacher told us in his thank you note to us that our son had the neatest and most precise handwriting of any student that he as taught in 7 years of teaching first grade.

He didn't get cutting until recently.

My point is, throw every possible type of writing implement toward your son, with the freedom to experiment. AND don't pressure him to do what you want him to do, and see what happens, you might be happily surprised.

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Tyler's Dad. Tyler 11-08-2001 PDD/NOS diagnosed 01-21-05, Hyperlexia diagnosis modified 04-01-07

isis_mommy
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Joined: September 17 2007
Location: United States
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Posts: 216

Posted: November 03 2009 at 6:55pm \| IP Logged

i will totally have to try magnadoodles and dry erase. i am not opposed to trying anything. i just need ideas. i don't pressure him or give him too much. i try to come up with as many ways for him to have fun while working as possible. more ideas = more fun, less work. thanks for the suggestions!

SuperTrouper
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Joined: April 16 2009
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Posted: November 03 2009 at 6:59pm \| IP Logged

You can laminate handwriting paper and use regular markers (like Crayola) on it if you like the 3-lines thing to help with size. We did that in a pre-school I worked in.

Have you tried having him write in a one-inch box (or even slightly larger) rather than on lines? At his age, some kids have trouble understanding the lines.

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21yo, love my cat, HFA

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Hmschlmama2five
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Joined: September 15 2006
Location: United States
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Posted: November 03 2009 at 8:08pm \| IP Logged

I have homeschooled my kids for 10 years and the best program I have found is Handwriting Without Tears. Their website is www.hwtears.com They are very inexpensive too! They teach very simple ways to form the letters, in a way kids understand. And there is only 1 page of practice a day, just perfect for younger children. Also, he may enjoy writing more if it is something HE sees as important. For ex. my 8 yo is "writing a book" on his own. He hates to write anything, but this has motivated him to do it on his own for days. Use what you think will intrest your son to get him to practice more. Also, he may just need time for his fine motor skills to mature

Edited by Hmschlmama2five on November 03 2009 at 8:10pm

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Comer, 8 PDD & Jacob, 3 PDD Mom to five, Auntie to 1. Blessed always

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