7 Effective Tips to Improve Handwriting in School-Age Children

Handwriting is a foundational skill that supports learning, communication, and confidence in school-aged children. But for many kids, putting pencil to paper can be a frustrating experience. Whether your child is struggling with pencil grip, messy writing, or fatigue during writing tasks, occupational therapy can help develop the fine motor and visual-motor integration skills needed for legible and efficient handwriting.

At South Coast Therapy & Support Group, our occupational therapists work closely with children and families to improve handwriting skills through individual sessions and small group programs.

Below, we’ve outlined 7 effective tips to support handwriting development at home and in school.

1. Build Fine Motor Strength Through Play

Strong hands and fingers are essential for handwriting. Encourage activities that build hand strength, such as:

• Playdough sculpting

• Cutting with scissors

• Threading beads

• Using tongs or tweezers in play

• Climbing and hanging from monkey bars

These activities strengthen the muscles needed for pencil control and endurance.

2. Develop a Proper Pencil Grip

An efficient pencil grip helps reduce fatigue and allows for better control. Children should ideally use a tripod grasp, where the pencil is held between the thumb and index finger, supported by the middle finger.

Tip: If your child struggles with their grip, try a pencil grip aid or shorter, thicker pencils to encourage the correct hold.

3. Improve Postural Stability

Core strength and good posture help children maintain the right position at the desk and support hand function. Encourage:

• Sitting with feet flat on the floor

• Hips and knees at 90-degree angles

• A stable chair and table at appropriate height

Occupational therapy sessions often include gross motor exercises to support postural endurance.

4. Practice Letter Formation With Multi-Sensory Tools

Use a variety of textures and materials to teach letter formation:

• Write in sand, shaving cream, or rice

• Use chalk on pavement

• Trace letters with fingers before using pencils

Multi-sensory activities help reinforce motor patterns for each letter.

5. Break Writing Tasks Into Short Bursts

Many children become overwhelmed with long writing tasks. Break writing into manageable chunks, offer regular movement breaks, and use timers or visuals to encourage focus and completion.

6. Use Visual Supports

Lined paper, highlighted margins, and letter formation charts can help children organize their writing and remember how to form each letter. Our therapists often use visuals and modelling in sessions to guide children through handwriting steps.

7. Join a Handwriting Group With Occupational Therapists

For many children, learning is more effective in a small group setting with peer support and structured guidance. Our Handwriting Skills Group at South Coast Therapy & Support Group is specifically designed to:

• Improve pencil grasp and fine motor control

• Build confidence in writing tasks

• Support letter formation, spacing, and alignment

• Make learning fun with engaging activities

These groups are run by experienced occupational therapists and allied health assistants and are tailored to your child’s age and developmental level.

Ready to Help Your Child With Handwriting?

If your child is struggling with handwriting, early intervention is key. Our team at South Coast Therapy & Support Group can provide both individual and group-based support. We service the Shoalhaven and Illawarra regions, including clinics in Nowra and Shellharbour.

To learn more about our handwriting groups or book a consultation, visit our Groups Page or call our office at (02) 4421 6013.