The Challenge: We’ve stalled on B’s writing program: because he cannot read his handwriting. He’s done lots and lots of compositions, used up about 100 pages of notebook filler paper: but can’t read them. When K is asleep and other priorities have been met, I can take dictation, but other than that, we are stalled.
So the number one priority for two handed school (when K is asleep or happy and I can use both hands) is the Cursive First Program.
The detailed verbal stroke instructions for forming each letter really appeal to my oral/aural kid. When I tried to teach cursive letters before by making a model, he didn’t catch on to the motor patterns. Even when I made glue and glitter letter cards, and had him finger trace the patterns, it didn’t stick. I am such a visual learner myself, I keep forgetting not to have him only look and copy. But having a name for the individual parts of the letters, as well as the clock-face reference for what kind of curve to use has really helped. B’s connecting strokes are the main problem with his handwriting, we’ve been tidying them up, also his pencil grip so that he doesn’t use huge jerky shoulder strokes. All this subtle feedback has been emotionally challenging for both of us!
I have had to give the corrections and supervisions gently, but clearly enough that he can tell an instruction from a comment. He has had to take my feedback and act on it, even though he is unlearning the bad habits and re-learning the correct ones. Phew! How do people do it that don’t start lessons with prayer?
If what you are trying doesn't work, try finding an occupational therapist. A teacher friend of mine suggested it to us, because my 9 y.o. son's handwriting was still completely illegible after one program then another. At first I wouldn't do it because I avoid "therapists" in general as too "invasive," if you know what I mean. I wish I had done it sooner! She solved his problems after observing him for a few minutes– and believe me, it was nothing the untrained eye would have caught. He was using some muscles more than he should, and others not enough. We made a few simple ergonomic changes, and presto! By the end of the following week he wrote like a different person. Don't hesitate to get occupational therapy if your problems don't improve. Good luck and God bless!
We'll keep that in mind. So far things are getting better though! The connections are beginning to look like little u's, not ricochetting ping pong ball trajectories.