In the lines: 8 tips to improve handwriting for kids

Many children struggle with their handwriting. Although handwriting is a learned skill, handwriting can impact a child’s confidence. Beautiful handwriting is often praised — and although bad handwriting isn’t the end of the world, having nice handwriting can help a child feel confident when turning in school assignments.

If your child struggles with handwriting, they’re not alone! It can be frustrating to perfect handwriting style, but we’re here to help. Read on for tips to help children of all ages improve their handwriting — whether they write in block letters or curly cursive.

1. Practice holding the writing tool

It might sound elementary, but to improve handwriting a child should start by learning to hold a pencil. Good handwriting starts with a steady grip — so finding the right pencil length and quality lead can prepare children to succeed.

Parents can model the appropriate way to hold a pencil for their children, emphasizing that it should be placed between the thumb, index, and middle fingers. Changing pencil lengths can also help improve handwriting if some of the pencils being used aren't working.

If your child struggles with keeping a pencil steady, consider investing in a pencil grip. These tiny tools offer a type of support that allows children to control the pencil and write neatly.

2. Work on spacing

Struggles with handwriting is often related to trouble spacing letters and words correctly. This can be frustrating for children — even if their letters look perfect, spacing can make text look funky, clunky, and illegible. For example, if your child struggles writing letters in a word too close together, their words might look like a sandwich!m

Spacing can improve when children see good examples of spacing and practice them daily. Encourage children to use their fingers or a toy to help them visualize correct spacing better. Kids can practice forming the letters in the appropriate size using paint or other fun materials to make the learning easier to retain — handwriting doesn’t need to be taught the old-fashioned way.

3. Use handwriting worksheets to practice

Practice makes perfect Handwriting worksheets are a great tool for children to continue to practice their handwriting at home. Practicing is the only way they'll improve.

Children should use the right paper to help them learn. Paper with bold lines and different colored lines can help them know how to write the lowercase and uppercase words.

Worksheets with textured lines are great for tracing. This practice is proven to help improve handwriting.

4. Improve important motor skills

Motor skills are a key component to healthy childhood development. Learning how to move their hands and fingers will teach a child how to do everyday tasks like tying their shoes or using a spoon.

Improving on these motor skills will help a child learn how to hold a pencil better and ultimately improve their handwriting.

A visit to an occupational therapist can help children fine-tune important motor skills but there are also many activities they can practice at home. Setting the table with their parents, rearranging their toys, or stringing some colorful beads are fun and simple ways to improve motor skills.

5. Find the best writing environment

While most children will have writing lessons in school they might struggle to practice handwriting in a school environment. An overcrowded classroom or busy teacher might be distracting for a child.

Parents should create a nurturing environment at home to help their child improve their handwriting. They should have a space for their child to write and a comfortable chair. Workspaces should be quiet and free of distractions so children can focus on the task at hand.

6. Incorporate all the senses

There are many online writing classes available to teach children how to improve their handwriting. These classes may use techniques parents might not be aware of to make the learning more fun.

Having a parent scribe what their child is saying in a bright highlighter color and then having the child trace over it with a pencil is a great exercise to improve handwriting. Parents can also encourage kids to trace mazes in different patterns — from left to right — to help a child see the correct way to write their letters. It's also a great visual aid to see how to stay within the lines.

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7. Stay active — trust us, it helps!

While staying physically active might not seem at all related to improving handwriting, it can help! Writing requires children to use their hand muscles for long periods of time and they can get tired after spending an afternoon writing.

Working on exercises to improve upper body strength can help kids feel less tired when using their hand muscles. Activities like rock climbing or swimming can help improve hand muscles in kids.

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8. Take breaks

The key to neat handwriting is not to force anything or pressure a child. Putting in the work and practice is important, but making things fun will keep the spirit light and enjoyable for kids. if they want to see improvement in their writing but all work without some play isn't helpful.

While exercise is a great way to take a break, simply switching to a different activity can help ease fatigue. Encourage children practicing handwriting to stop and eat a fun snack — going to work on an art project is a great break from handwriting practice too.

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