Having slow handwriting can be very distressing for children during timed tasks such as tests and exams. I often get panicked phone calls from the parents children in higher grades about this. Unfortunately a slow handwriting speed is usually only identified in higher grades, when children simply can’t keep up with volume of work required. But the causes of a slow handwriting speed actually need to be identified and corrected early on in a child’s school career.
What causes handwriting to be slow?
Speaking in general terms, slow handwriting is usually caused by either a slow processing speed or by a poor pencil grip.
A slow processing speed will make it difficult for a child to work at the same pace as his peers. It may also mean that he may take longer to arrive at an answer. But in no way does it mean that the person isn’t smart. Very intelligent people can struggle with a slow processing speed.
Standardised global assessments usually include tests of processing speed. If a person is found to have a slow processing speed, they may be eligible for a concession granting them extra time during tests and exams.
A poor pencil grasp can also lead to slow handwriting:
Ideally, we want children to make use of an open-tripod grasp. (Please see video for more visual detail). When teachers notice poor handwriting in young children they will usually refer the child to an Occupational Therapist. But older children tend to have developed habits in the way they hold their pencils and the way they write that are very difficult, if not impossible, to break, even with OT.
When you are holding your pencil incorrectly, it requires movement of the elbow or shoulder to write. Whereas with with a functional grasp. you only need to move your fingers in order to manipulate the pencil.
What can you do?
Improve a child’s pencil grasp by:
- Using triangular pencils
- Using plastic pencil-grips that fit on the pencil
- Have the child hold a small object in the palm of his hand while writing
Older children with poor handwriting might also qualify for various accommodations / concessions during tests and exams. Learners with significantly slow handwriting may apply for extra time during tests and exams.
16 Responses
Good Afternoon,
Are you based in Cape Town, I need assistance with my five year old daughters handwriting.
Hi Lauren,
Yes – I am based in Cape Town and happy to help with her handwriting. I have sent you an email with more information in this regard.
Good Afternoon
Are you based in Jhb, I need assistance for my daughter handwriting.
Thanks
Hi Kubesh,
Yes – Orit Grossman is based in Bryanston. You can contact her on 083 350 2628
Good day
I am in Pretoria and would like assistance with my children’s handwriting.
Is there someone you could recommend please?
Good day
Just a follow up please.
Is there someone you could recommend in Pretoria to assist my son with his handwriting.
He complains that if he writes nearly he has to write very slow and small.
Thank you
Good day
Just a follow up please.
Is there anyone you could recommend in Pretoria to assist my son with his handwriting.
He is 11 and complains that if he writes neatly he writes very slowly and has to write very small.
Thank you
Hi im in Cape Town i need the help my grade 4 child is slow writing where can i get a help
Hi Moses – give us a call on 083 711 5267
Hi so my son is 11 yrs of age struggles to keep up writes what he hears and writes very slowly sometimes he spells wrong aswell where his niece who is two years younger than him can spell beter so what do i do as he also stutters badly
Hi Zaakira,
All the points you mention seem to indicate some language based difficulty which may (or may not) include Dyslexia.
I would recommend that you have him assessed by and Educational Psychologist as soon as possible to determine, exactly why he is struggling, what level he is currently functioning at and how best to help his going forward (this may include being able to get concessions at school if he qualifies for those).
What area do you live in Zaakira? If you’re based in Cape Town I might be able to help.
Hi, my son’s is 12 and has progressively started writing smaller. It’s so small now it’s effecting his marks because it’s not readable. Is there anything I can do to help him please.
Hi Mandy,
Perhaps intervention by an Occupational Therapist will help? Alternatively one could also look at applying for a handwriting concession for him. This can have two implications – either he is to read his handwriting to the teachers as they mark his exam paper or he could be allowed to type his exams on a laptop & keyboard (after learning to type efficiently of course).
Good day
I need help with my 7 years old boy, he’s slow at writing. W
We based in fourways jhb
Thanks
Good day my child is seven years old and he I writing very slowly and the teacher is complaining about him every time because is doing well but when coming to writing a a problem, can you please help me
Hi Eunice,
Sure thing – we’ll send you an email with more information about the assessments.