Handwriting for Kids: Physiotherapy to Improve Handwriting

Handwriting Therapy

Most of the children I treat have handwriting difficulties (even if that was not why their parents initially contacted me) and messy handwriting is by far the most common reason why primary schools refer their pupils to me.

Despite the rise in technology, handwriting remains an essential life skill and an important foundation for academic success. It is the primary means by which a child displays their cognitive ability in classwork, homework and written examinations.

Children with handwriting difficulties may struggle to keep up with their peers in classroom activities and may quickly lose motivation and become frustrated.

Early intervention to address any handwriting difficulties will minimize the impact on a child’s academic performance.

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Common Handwriting Difficulties

The range of handwriting difficulties that I see is enormous and it is common for children to have difficulties developing the skills and the appropriate pencil grip needed for fluent, legible handwriting.

Does your child display any of the following handwriting difficulties?

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poorly formed letters and/or difficulty remembering how to form letters

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slow, painful and laboured writing with poor endurance

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poor organisation and spacing of writing, both on the page and within words/sentences

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abnormal or inefficient pencil grip

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difficulty copying from the whiteboard or from a book

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too much or too little pressure being put on the paper

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poor legibility of written work

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difficulty gaining writing speed and struggling to keep up with their peers during written work

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a reluctance to engage in written work

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reversals and transposition errors

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poor sitting posture, leaning forwards with head on table or close to work or leaning backwards with arm extended

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difficulty understanding the concepts of shape, size and form

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pain in the hand and/or excessive tiredness after even short periods of writing

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an inability/reluctance to support the paper with the non-dominant hand whilst writing

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difficulty transitioning from print to cursive

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written work does not reflect their academic potential

assessing each child as an individual

The Fundamental Skills Necessary for Handwriting

Handwriting is a complex task which requires the integration of many component skills. My aim as a physiotherapist is to assess each child as an individual to determine the nature of their difficulties and the specific underlying reasons for those difficulties. Some children have never really mastered (or perhaps haven’t had the opportunity to learn) the fundamental skills which are necessary for the development of the various aspects of handwriting. My assessment will include analysis of each of these skills, including:

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Of course, my assessment will also include an analysis of your child’s handwriting, including speed, letter formation, sizing, alignment and spacing.

Targeted Treatment Programme

After assessing the child, my aim is to develop a targeted treatment programme to address those deficits which impact on the child’s handwriting.

Whatever the problems are, treatment methods will be chosen to help the child to develop the skills they are lacking or compensate for their difficulties. These may include a combination of:

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remedial exercises, activities and games

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well recognised programmes

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specialist remedial handwriting materials

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advice on biomechanical and ergonomic factors impacting on handwriting

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pencil grips and other aids and equipment as appropriate

Whilst all treatment methods will be targeted at improving the child’s writing, not all activities will involve the use of a pencil!

testimonials

SUCCESS STORIES & WORDS OF PRAISE

“The physio sessions provided by Fiona for our son have made a HUGE difference to him.

The sessions were fun and he looked forward to them each week. The difference in his handwriting really is incredible. He now forms his letters correctly and is even joining his letters and producing lovely written work for the first time ever. We really cannot recommend Fiona enough and owe her a massive thank you for all the work she put in with our son!”

Teaching Assistant & Parent

“Through your exercises our daughter has strengthened the muscles in her hand and is now able to hold her pen and cutlery properly.

She was very proud to be one of only five girls in her class to be the first to get a Pen Licence. I would like you to know of your success and of our gratitude for your help.”

Parent of 7 year old

When I work with a child to develop the underlying skills needed for successful handwriting, I typically observe improvements in other areas of development too, including their behaviour, reading and academic progress.

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Handwriting Therapy sessions take place online, via Zoom.

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I ask that a parent or guardian is present throughout. This is because home exercises are given to the child at each session and for maximum benefit the child should be supported in completing them daily.

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