Menu
Handwriting practice for teenagers
By the time your child reaches secondary school, there is no time dedicated for improving handwriting. It’s all about core curriculum subjects leading up to exam choices.
In ‘heavy writing’ subjects, like English and History, teenagers are missing out on top grades, through lack of confidence in their handwriting. And writing the bare minimum, that just scrapes them a ‘pass’.
Legibility is a key issue. Either teens are writing so fast, it cannot be read, or they are seen as lazy, for not writing enough. Some even try to change their writing, and can’t even read it back themselves, as a result!
Unlike primary, in secondary school, multiple teachers must be able to read your teen’s work and their grades may be linked simply to whether the teacher can read what they write, not the quality of their work.
In addition, your teen is needing to be able to write legibly. Keeping up with their teachers’ speaking speed and teaching style, in order to be taking good notes are helping them learn and revise effectively.
Choose one handwriting style. Printed, cursive writing or joined up writing are all handwriting styles. It is a choice. What matters is legibility and speed. Cursive writing, if not done right, can affect readability. It is also not always the fastest handwriting style.
Make sure they write on lined or squared paper. It really helps letter legibility. Work that is uneven and not sitting on a line can be difficult for the eye to scan and read.
Picking the perfect pen. Pens come in different shapes and styles. Most are ergonomically designed. These contours help the fingers feel comfortable when writing. Biro, fibre tip, gel or ink can make a difference to handwriting legibility. Your teenager needs to find the one they like. And it doesn’t have to be the most expensive pen.
Staying up late. Research has proven that when we are tired we write faster. And this affects handwriting legibility. If your child is tired when they go to school or when they do an exam their handwriting quality will be affected.
Everything is possible. It takes 66 days for a habit to change. Handwriting can be improved. But there will be no overnight success. Your teenager needs to accept that improving their writing style is a strategic move. There are no quick fixes. Don’t give up! I’ve heard teachers tell parents there is no point in teaching handwriting after the age of 9. This is totally untrue. Whatever your age, it is possible to improve handwriting. Because we are not seven years old our brains are not so adaptable. It might take longer. But it is achievable.
Handwriting is a life skill. It does not stop when your child leaves primary or secondary school.
It is possible to change bad habits. By teaching your teenager new methods, handwriting legibility and speed will improve. No longer do you need to fear that examiners cannot mark your teenager’s work.
Read my true story below about how handwriting negatively impacted one young lads apprenticeship. If you wish to work with me too, click here to book a free discovery call or read about my online lessons.
His company approached me to ask for handwriting help. It was for their new apprentice. As a supportive company, they wanted to help him improve his handwriting. They felt his bad handwriting was a poor reflection on their company. The company makes cement.
Ben needed to handwrite orders and pass them onto the clients. The problem was no one could read Ben’s writing.
We worked together to improve his letter legibility and reduce his letter size. Helping him to meet the requirements of his new job.
Ben’s story shows that even when out of school, handwriting affects everyday lives.
Copyright © 2022 Help With Handwriting · All Rights Reserved
