The Department for Education’s new Writing Framework places a clear emphasis on ensuring every child develops secure handwriting skills.
While many pupils will progress steadily, some require extra support to build the foundations of fluent, legible writing.
Teachers play a vital role in spotting difficulties early and providing interventions that build both skill and confidence.
Here are some practical strategies from Sue Smits that align with the framework to help pupils who find handwriting a challenge
Build fine and gross motor skills
Before a child can write comfortably, they need strength and stability in their core, shoulders, arms, and fingers. Regular motor skills practice can make a significant difference:
- Hand strengthening: Activities such as squeezing stress balls, stretching or playing with playdough help children build the muscles needed for pencil control.
- Shoulder stability: wheelbarrow walks, wall push-ups, and other weight-bearing games promote the strength needed for controlled movements at a desk.
- Finger dexterity: Using tweezers, pegs, beads, or tongs encourages the small, precise movements essential for gripping and guiding a pencil.
- Scissor skills: Cutting along lines and shapes helps children practise hand-eye coordination while strengthening fingers.
These exercises can be introduced in short bursts throughout the school day, woven into PE, art, or classroom routines
Prioritise pre-writing practice
For children who are not yet ready to form letters confidently, pre-writing practice helps to develop control, rhythm, and spatial awareness:
- Tracing shapes and patterns: Large movements, such as rainbow arcs or zigzags, encourage children to explore different strokes before refining them into letters.
- Multi-sensory activities: Writing in sand trays, on chalkboards, or with water and paintbrushes adds variety and helps memory through touch and movement.
- Dot-to-dots and mazes: These activities develop pencil control, focus, and directionality, preparing children for letter formation in a fun, low-pressure way.
Teachers can adapt these tasks to suit different learning styles, keeping practice playful to reduce frustration and build confidence.
Make adjustments and provide the right equipment
Sometimes, small adjustments and the right tools can remove barriers and give struggling pupils the chance to succeed:
- Pencil grips: These offer guidance for children who find it hard to hold a pencil correctly.
- Sloped writing boards: By improving wrist and hand positioning, sloped surfaces reduce fatigue and promote better letter formation.
- Specialist paper: Wide-lined paper provides structure, helping pupils keep writing clear and aligned.
- Visual prompts: Posters, letter formation charts, and desk reminders keep support visible and accessible.
Supporting progress with patience and consistency
The most important factor in supporting struggling writers is consistency.
Regular practice, clear routines, and positive reinforcement help pupils build the confidence they need to persevere. Teachers should celebrate small successes, focus on gradual improvement, and avoid comparisons that may discourage.
By combining motor skill development, pre-writing practice, and thoughtful adjustments, teachers can create an inclusive classroom where every pupil has the chance to master handwriting.
With patience and persistence, even the most reluctant writers can make progress, turning what was once a struggle into a skill for life.