Handwriting Help – What’s Normal, What’s Not, and How OT Can Support School Success
- claire2876
- Jul 31
- 2 min read
Handwriting is one of the most common challenges faced by school-aged children. It’s also one of the most frustrating—for both students and their parents or teachers. Poor handwriting can affect a child’s self-esteem, academic performance, and even their willingness to participate in class.
Occupational therapists specialise in identifying handwriting challenges and helping children build the skills they need for confidence and success.
✏️ What’s Involved in Handwriting?
Handwriting is a complex task that relies on:
Fine motor skills (grip, finger strength, dexterity)
Visual motor integration (copying and aligning letters)
Posture and core strength
Eye-hand coordination
Cognitive planning and attention
Difficulties in any of these areas can lead to messy, slow, or painful writing.
🔍 Signs of Handwriting Difficulty
Pencil grip looks awkward or tense
Writing is illegible, inconsistent in size or spacing
Child avoids writing tasks or rushes through them
Complains of hand fatigue or pain
Writing is slow compared to peers
Poor line alignment or letter reversals after age 7
Early intervention can prevent handwriting from becoming a long-term barrier to learning.
🏠 Handwriting Practice Ideas for Home
You can support your child’s handwriting at home with fun, low-pressure activities:
Pre-writing shapes: tracing lines, circles, and curves
Chalkboard or whiteboard writing: less resistance than pencil
Playdough letter shaping: build finger strength
Writing in sensory materials: sand, shaving cream, or finger paint
Letter tracing apps with stylus pens
Short “secret note” writing games between siblings or to pets
Keep practice short, encouraging, and pressure-free. Celebrate progress over perfection!
📥 When to Refer to an OT for Handwriting
Legibility remains poor despite practice
Pencil grip or posture affects endurance
Your child avoids homework or gets frustrated during writing tasks
Writing is slow, painful, or not meeting school expectations
Teacher or learning support staff have raised concerns
Our occupational therapists conduct handwriting assessments and create individualised plans that combine skill-building with confidence and motivation.
💬 Let’s Make Handwriting Easier and More Enjoyable
We offer fun, practical handwriting support for children of all ages. Whether your child needs help with grip, spacing, speed, or legibility—we can help.
📍 Shoalhaven Occupational Therapy or Shellharbour Occupational Therapy
📅 Book via HotDoc:
🔗 Book Now – Shoalhaven: https://www.hotdoc.com.au/medical-centres/nowra-NSW-2541/shoalhavenot-au/doctors
🔗 Book Now – Shellharbour: https://www.hotdoc.com.au/medical-centres/barrack-heights-NSW-2528/shellharbour-occupational-therapy/doctors
