Handwriting Programmes

Handwriting is a means of expressing language, just like speech, and it also leaves a lasting trace. It is a physical way of expressing thoughts and ideas and a means of communicating with others. We cannot write unless we have been taught how to, a fact which is sometimes ignored.

Handwriting is a very complex skill to master, one which involves linguistic, cognitive, perceptual and motor components, all of which have to be coordinated into an integrated fashion.

It is important to understand that children with additional learning needs and health conditions may have difficulties with mark making and handwriting. Handwriting requires communication between the brain, co-ordination effort of the eyes and muscles of the hand, fingers, wrist and forearm. The child must be able to have developed strength and dexterity necessary for holding a pencil, while keeping a steady hand when moving cross the page to produce micro-movements. The child must also be able to sit at the writing station with an effective posture within their core stability and be able to sit still and attend.

For the children we support with a range of learning needs and physical needs, writing requires an enormous amount of energy, focus and practise.

The Handwriting Programme will support the process of handwriting and will cover Posture, Pencil Grip (fine motor skills), Paper Position and Pressure and Fluency.