Monday, December 01, 2008 | 8:32 p.m.

Handwriting Problems Very Common for Boys

by Dr. Sylvia Rimm

I received many responses to a question I answered from parents who were childhood dysgraphics and were concerned about their 4-year-old son's frustration at having to color within the lines in day care. In my answer, I had recommended that their son meet with an occupational therapist and also that the parents request that the teacher provide the child with larger pictures. I also suggested their son might enjoy dot-to-dot pictures and mazes to help him develop his small muscle coordination ...

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Posted by: Stephanie
Comment: #1
Sun May 18, 2008 7:42 AM

I teach an early intervention preschool in MD. I have found that some students (usually boys) have weaker hand muscles. Activities like playing with play dough, using smaller legos, and squeezing a small squishy ball will build up hand muscles and increase the child's endurance for holding a pencil. I like to vary writing materials too. It's pretty hard to stay in the lines with a fat crayon. Colored pencils make this task easier. Provide some high interest coloring books in addition to the usual pictures. A boy might not have any desire to color a flower, but a Spiderman coloring book will motivate him to finish a picture. Create a display area so that he is motivated to his best work. Finally, mazes and puzzles might be more appealing to a child who doesn't love to color.

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Monday, December 01, 2008 | 8:32 p.m.
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