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Handwriting
Handwriting involves the physical act of writing letters and words. This includes proper letter formation, spacing, and overall legibility. Good handwriting requires fine motor skills and visual-motor integration.
Importance for Literacy Development:
Good handwriting is important for clear communication and can impact a child’s writing fluency and confidence. Neat handwriting also supports the legibility and overall quality of written work.
Children with handwriting difficulties may struggle with letter formation, spacing, and writing speed, which can affect their overall writing skills. Poor handwriting can lead to frustration and avoidance of writing tasks.
Orton-Gillingham Approach:
The Orton-Gillingham approach improves handwriting through multisensory techniques that reinforce proper letter formation and muscle memory. Graham and Weintraub (1996) stress the importance of effective handwriting instruction. Their review of handwriting research highlights that targeted handwriting instruction improves the legibility and fluency of children’s writing. Although handwriting is directly integrated into our literacy support services, if significant challenges are noted in a child’s handwriting, it may be beneficial to get assessed by an occupational therapist.
Research Reference
Graham, S., & Weintraub, N. (1996). “A review of handwriting research: Progress and prospects from 1980 to 1994.” Educational Psychology Review, 8(1), 7-87.
