Happy National Handwriting Day!

Happy National Handwriting day!  Yesterday, we shared some information on dysgraphia, a learning disability that affects a person's handwriting and ability to express themselves through the written word.  Thanks to Melissa Gibbons, an occupational therapist with Hands for Growth Occupational Therapy, for submitting this follow-up guest blog.

Rhonda & the Bridgeway team

By Melissa Gibbons

National Handwriting Day was established by the Writing Instrument Manufacturers Association in 1977. Their motive is obvious...to promote the consumption of pens, pencils, and writing paper. However, it can also remind us of the importance of handwriting as a skill and a means of communication. Never has this concept been more important than now, when we are more likely to email or text a friend, rather than sit down and write them a letter.

As an occupational therapist, I works with children with handwriting needs, so I think National Handwriting Day worth recognizing.

January 23rd was chosen because this is the birthday of John Hancock, the first person to sign the Declaration of Independence in the United States. He signed with a large and elaborate signature as he wanted to make sure it was seen by King George. His signature is probably the most recognized in history and has given rise to the expression of “writing your John Hancock” with regard to providing your signature.

John had a recognizable styled signature; however handwriting is more than just style, it’s a thought process. It’s the primary way elementary students communicate. Handwriting promotes an organized approach to communication, maximizes thinking time, and boosts creativity.

For parents, show your kids how important handwriting truly is and let them see you write a letter to a relative or friend. Or better yet, write to our Premier Darryl Dexter and Minister of Education, Ramona Jennex, requesting that they put more focus on handwriting in our schools.

I digress…

I recently learned that some of the great historic literary minds of James Joyce, Victor Hugo and F. Scott FitzGerald, were known to have illegible handwriting. They did not have the option of typing their masterpieces, as we do today. Their handwriting obviously did not stand in their way of greatness. This is how we need to think about our students with learning disabilities who have handwriting challenges. These students have many wonderful and creative ideas that should be shared on paper, however handwriting difficulties get in the way.

What can we do to help our kids?

·         Have an open dialogue with the teacher

·         Take note of how the child is holding the pencil. Aim for a tripod (3 finger) grasp, as other grasps can impact letter formation and cause hand fatigue

·         Use the proper tools. Young elementary school students should use short pencils for increased control

·         Positioning: while sitting at a desk, the student should have their feet and back supported with a 90 degree angle at the knees and elbows, and the desk surface should be just above their flexed elbow height.

·         Warm up the small muscles of the hand: cutting activity, squeezing playdoh, etc

While teaching printed letters:

·         All letters start from the top

·         Teach capitals before lower case

·         Do not spend more than 15 min/day working on handwriting

·         Children copy from a perfect model; avoid practicing printing the letter over and over again….the last letter will be sloppy

Happy National Handwriting Day!

Melissa Gibbons OT Reg (NS)

Occupational Therapist/Owner
Hands For Growth Occupational Therapy
www.handsforgrowth.ca
902-489-1847
Melissa@handsforgrowth.ca