Explicit Instruction: Handwriting
Overview
Explicit instruction in handwriting, including letter formation, can help Handwriting Skills become more automatic, freeing up Working Memory to focus on Foundational Writing Skills. Isolating handwriting skills, including having students practice independently, in both classroom and occupational therapy settings has been shown to have positive effects on the size, neatness, and speed of handwriting. Additionally, this practice can help learners physically, teaching them proper writing posture and improving pencil grip. For those children who show struggle with handwriting, intervention in preschool and early elementary school can be beneficial.
Example: Use This Strategy in the Classroom
Watch this kindergarten teacher use explicit instruction to teach handwriting using a multisensory approach. The lesson is broken down to isolate essential components of handwriting including letter formation, size, and spacing.
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Videos are chosen as examples of strategies in action. These choices are not endorsements of the products or evidence of use of research to develop the feature.
See how iTrace can help students practice writing letters and their own names to build their Handwriting Skills. The app can be used for both typical block letters and cursive depending on the child's need. Learners can save their progress over time.
Additional Resources
Additional examples, research, and professional development. These resources are possible representations of this strategy, not endorsements.
Factors Supported by this Strategy
More Instructional Approaches Strategies
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A strengths-based approach is one where educators intentionally identify, communicate, and harness students' assets, across many aspects of the whole child, in order to empower them to flourish.
