Fixing A Child's Handwriting; Program Recommendations?

[Mickey]

I hope in time to be able to have that type of skill in my forarm and wrist. even just using my fingers i lack the fine motor skill to be able to write in a small space as it is i personally and having issues with 1x copies.

 

Forget about fine muscle control.* It's letting go of control that will get you there. Embed the stroke knowledge in the muscles, then get out of the way. That's writing. Ornamental Penmanship is another animal entirely.

 

* For example, the release window for a 90 mph fastball, such that it stays in the strike zone, is on the order of 1/10,000 of a second. No one can consciously slice time that thin. Skill needs to be embedded in the muscles and the method.

[The_LittleOne]

Thanks everyone, again.

 

Muscle memory is a huge part of why we've failed so far… He has major difficulties with motor planning, has no tolerance for frustration, and very little motivators. This creates a huge catch-22; All aspects of writing frustrates him so he loses what little motivation he has and needs to work twice as hard to develop automaticity in anything, therefore he doesn't work enough to develop the muscle memory/automaticity and it's always a struggle. (<--- this all made sense in my head. Not sure it came out as well.)

 

I like the older programs because of the simple drills. With a new program and cool new pen, I hope to motivate him through the frustration. I'll be working right along with him.

[scrivelry]

I am reading this thread with great interest. Child saw it up on the computer and was interested - was I making fun? No, I told him I was hoping to find some fun way for child to learn how to write. Printing has not been particularly successful...

 

I thank everyone who has posted, especially from personal experience!

 

T

[Jbloodwo]

I do not know if the ot showed you these or would even like them. But I used them for years. It does really help with tripod grip.

http://www.thewritingpenstore.com/p-1021-triangle-pen-and-pencil-grip-5-pack.aspx?gclid=CIzTk9zfor0CFQaBfgodFUUAQQ

[The_LittleOne]

I used to use those grips when I was younger!

 

I think his grip is okay. It is with a pencil, but not ballpoint pen. I'll see how he does with the fountain pens. It should give him some more feedback from the paper, if he "listens" for it.

 

Scrivelry- If the child is developing "typically," you should be able to use most any program as long as he/she puts in some effort.

[FLZapped]

If you go to the IAMPETH website and look in the "rare books" section, there are numerous lesson books available in PDF format that detail body and hand position, grip and offer a multitude of basic movement exercises along with the usual stuff.

 

A couple are the Palmer Method (1935) and the Mills Modern Business Penmanship(1903)