Sloppy handwriting,

[EuroMama]

Anyone have tips on how to help an 9 year old not rush hand writing and take his time, instead of rushing and it becoming unreadable? My son is very determined to do it his way, but his way means, sloppy, no spaces etc.

Edited by EuroMama - 10/25/11 at 12:24pm

[whatsnextmom]

Is this a new problem? Are you sure he's "lazy" or is it a real struggle? I ask because handwriting was extremely difficult for him as a child. I didn't develop "nice" writing until after high school. My father had the same issue as a child and and my newly 11-year-old still struggles greatly. It's dysgraphia and DS gets accommodation for it (he still has to hand write but he also is allowed to type most things.)

I can recommend "Handwriting Without Tears." It's a great program and the reason my DS can write anything at all to be honest.

[EuroMama]

Its not a new problem, he really does rush. I have seen him write nicely when he's not rushing.

I also found out that...in the schools here in Phoenix they don't do handwriting anymore, no cursive writing practices. Etc

Edited by EuroMama - 10/25/11 at 12:48pm

[MomtoDandJ]

I think the best way to help children develop strong handwriting is to reinforce it when they are young.  Bad habits are just so hard to break.  Maybe a nice set of tracing letters worksheets would help refocus your son on proper letter formation.