How bad is your child’s handwriting?
Aug 10, 2003
PARENTS’ CORNER<br>Dear Jamesa,<br>I write on behalf of a friend whose son is in S.5, and has a poor handwriting that affects his work
PARENTS’ CORNER
By Wagwau Jamesa
Dear Jamesa,
I write on behalf of a friend whose son is in S.5, and has a poor handwriting that affects his work. Needless to say, he is a bright boy except for that problem that seems to sap his confidence.
What individualised remedial measures could be taken to improve his handwriting? Who is best placed to assist such a student? Do you think the boy was/is being traumatised by a teacher before/now?
J.W.A- Kampala
Dear J.W.A,
Handwriting is a motor skill, which is learnt during the early stages of a child’s education. Although it is exhibited in the finger muscles, handwriting is controlled right from the brain. Writing skill is actually one of the pillars on which the child’s future scholastic education rests. So essential is this skill that every child’s early education begins with it.
The ability to write neatly, legibly and presentably is a clear demonstration of true literacy. Although a child’s hand writing attracts little attention from both parents and teachers, it is a skill which goes to the very core of a child’s literacy. Have you ever written an application letter in your life?
You will agree that one of the cardinal requirements which employers emphasise is that of presenting the application letter in your own handwriting. But why? There is a golden secret behind handwriting, which is not known to many. Your handwriting reveals your inner self, which may not be readily exposed to one who is meeting you for the first time.
The following hints give some highlight on how the hand writing skill is acquired during the early stages of education.
The child begins by drawing different patterns on free space and later on line. These help the child to learn how to handle and control both the pencil and the book in an acceptable manner.
As the child’s finger muscles strengthen, the child begins to scribble both upper and lowercase letters.
The use of pencil is a must since it is less slippery and easier to control on the paper surface.
Should a child slip through the sieve and reach S.5 with poor handwriting then he/she must receive a different approach. Recommendations:
This student deserves your sympathy and not condemnation for failing to acquire the writing skills early.
Talk to the student and let him/her understand the fact that there is a problem, which needs attention.
If the student is willing to improve, he/she can be helped to improve the writing style.
There is a slim link (if any) between psychological trauma and poor handwriting. However, if trauma is suspected then either a trained counsellor or a clinical psychologist should see the student.
Remember that no fundamental change can be made on a child’s hand writing at a late stage.
Nevertheless, with the student’s willingness and co-operation you can make improvements on legibility and proper letter shapes.
jamesawagwau@yahoo.com
By Wagwau Jamesa
Dear Jamesa,
I write on behalf of a friend whose son is in S.5, and has a poor handwriting that affects his work. Needless to say, he is a bright boy except for that problem that seems to sap his confidence.
What individualised remedial measures could be taken to improve his handwriting? Who is best placed to assist such a student? Do you think the boy was/is being traumatised by a teacher before/now?
J.W.A- Kampala
Dear J.W.A,
Handwriting is a motor skill, which is learnt during the early stages of a child’s education. Although it is exhibited in the finger muscles, handwriting is controlled right from the brain. Writing skill is actually one of the pillars on which the child’s future scholastic education rests. So essential is this skill that every child’s early education begins with it.
The ability to write neatly, legibly and presentably is a clear demonstration of true literacy. Although a child’s hand writing attracts little attention from both parents and teachers, it is a skill which goes to the very core of a child’s literacy. Have you ever written an application letter in your life?
You will agree that one of the cardinal requirements which employers emphasise is that of presenting the application letter in your own handwriting. But why? There is a golden secret behind handwriting, which is not known to many. Your handwriting reveals your inner self, which may not be readily exposed to one who is meeting you for the first time.
The following hints give some highlight on how the hand writing skill is acquired during the early stages of education.
Should a child slip through the sieve and reach S.5 with poor handwriting then he/she must receive a different approach. Recommendations:
Remember that no fundamental change can be made on a child’s hand writing at a late stage.
Nevertheless, with the student’s willingness and co-operation you can make improvements on legibility and proper letter shapes.
jamesawagwau@yahoo.com