Help--Handwriting Woes

[NJKelli]

I have a 12 year old left-handed dd who has a terrible pencil grip and struggles with cursive writing. This is our first year homeschooling, and I really tried to work with her on this at the beginning of the year with the use of a special pencil grip and the Handwriting Without Tears cursive books. She was miserable and it was such a battle that I gave up. My biggest concern is her inability to write cursive fluently though she knows how to shape the letters. I'm afraid this will adversely affect her in the future. Has anyone ever found anything that works with correcting the pencil grip and encouraging cursive handwriting in an older student?

[Cindyg]

Well, if this is a severe problem that affects her ability to write, you might consider a consultation with an occupational therapist. I know that might seem extreme, but if she just can't get her fingers organized, there are probably strength and coordination issues that need help. (Speaking from experience.)

HWT is a good choice to start with.

Good luck to you.

[kRenee]

If she can print fluently I wouldn't worry about cursive. Make sure she can read it and sign her name. But, if she cannot write at an appropriate speed or she has other quirks, I agree that an occupational therapy evaluation and therapy might be helpful.

[Suzanne in ABQ]

Since she is still struggling to write at age 12, and she has a terrible pencil grip, I would ask, "Does she tire easily when she writes?" If she does, then I'd strongly agree to have her seen by an occupational therapist. It may not affect her to not write in cursive (my dh never does, except his signature). But, if she can't write without fatigue, it will greatly affect her ability to take notes in college, or do anything that requires lots of writing.

[NJKelli]

I don't know if I was very clear...

My dd prints well and her manuscript printing is reasonable, not magnificent but certainly good. It's just really the cursive that's the problem and I don't know how to guide her as a lefty with a hooked pencil grip--I don't know if I'm describing the grip that well but that's what it looks like. She also doesn't seem to suffer with fatigue. I know what you mean about that because I have a younger dd with that problem, but she's right-handed and has been successful at strenghtening her hands.

Perhaps an occupational therapist is the answer, but, of course, I'm hoping for an easier way, something I could do at home.

Should I not worry about the grip? I've seen other lefties do this.
Should I not worry about cursive?
Still wondering...

[ldee]

I would check with an ot (talk to your peditrician), HWT was written by an ot and most ot's are trained using it.

[Brindee]

My dd's a lefty, but doesn't have the hooked grip. If your dd is printing fluently, but just doesn't want to do handwriting that's one thing. If she's having problems, then I agree to talk to your dr. about checking with an ot.

However, many lefties have the hooked grip and are fine. At this age I wouldn't fight that battle. She's already made compensation and the way she writes feels right to her. Trying to change it now may cause her to get frustrated and react the way that you're describing. I know 3 or 4 kids (well, older now) who have VERY 'interesting" grips, but they write fine. It's just somehow what they started doing, it was never changed at a young age, so that's what they are comfortable with.

Maybe just overlook the grip and concentrate on finding a handwriting style that interests her. At her age she may be interested in the Italic style, which is beautiful handwriting! Getty-Dubay Italic is what I am using with my lefty dd11, and she loves how nice her handwriting has become!

Hope this gets worked out!

[MommyInTraining]

:001_smile:I wanted to correct my 9yodd grip. She was using her middle finger to grip with. I wasn't given much encouragement but proceeded to try and change it in the following way:

She agreed to try for 1 month to use "the claw" www.writingclaw.com (http://www.writingclaw.com/). At the end of the month she was to receive $5 and a new book. She was to use it for all writing/drawing activities.

After 1 month of having developed the proper grip using "the claw", she had to go another month with using the proper grip without "the claw". At the end of that month she was to receive the same reward. She agreed and I am happy to say that it succeeded in changing her grip!!!! :lol:

Now, with my 7yods I just have him use a pencil grip I bought from the school supply store and I don't have him use it all the time, but when he doesn't use it, he still does not have a proper grip. He is still not writing much, so I am not going to focus much on it with him until he is a little older and then probably go through the same type of procedure if he needs it.

The claw is great! www.writingclaw.com (http://www.writingclaw.com/)
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Terri in WA