Sensational Sensory Idea #2 (Multisensory Handwriting)

Handwriting can be very difficult for children with Sensory Processing Disorder. (see What is Sensory Processing Disorder) Weak or poor motor skills can turn a normal learning process into something extremely frustrating or even physically painful. Some children with SPD also have a neurological disorder known as Dysgraphia. The word Dysgraphia means difficulty writing-"Dys" meaning "difficulty" and "graphia" meaning "writing". It is commonly associated in children with ADHD, learning disabilities or Asperger's Syndrome, although it is possible to have Dysgraphia without any other evidence of these disorders.

I have put together some of my favorite multisensory handwriting activities for you and your child to enjoy. These ideas are not just for the struggling child, all children love to explore with their senses! Remember to always incorporate as many of their senses as you can into your child's school and play. Have fun!

This one has been a faithful favorite for several years now.  I filled a flat plastic box with cornmeal and my children use it to practice forming letters and numbers correctly. (tip~make sure you have a tight fitting lid. This much cornmeal can make quite a mess. Believe me. I know.)

This activity is not just for preschoolers and pre-handwriting practice. I have an 8 year old who still frequently writes his numbers and letters backwards. Every few weeks we will pull out the cornmeal box and practice forming them correctly.  He loves how the cornmeal feels and he can usually form each letter perfectly when using it. He will then have a few weeks where he will continue to write his letters correctly. When I see him begin to slip back into forming them incorrectly, we use the cornmeal box again. 

There are so many ideas for making your own handwriting box. Here are some other mediums your children would enjoy writing in:

salt

flour

sand

rice

sugar

shaving cream 

This next idea is a great tool I picked up at the Homeschool Convention. It is called a purpllinker and is available through Amazon.

It is a learning device to help your child develop visual and motor skills while forming letters, numbers and shapes. Although it is recommended for 4+, I have found some of the letters can be a little tricky for older children (and sometimes Mommies:-) 

I found my next idea at No Time for Flashcards. It's a great way to help your toddler develop those motor skills he/she will eventually need to form their letters and numbers correctly. I purchased squares of sandpaper at Walmart and used crayons to make colorful shape outlines. Using a piece of yarn, my toddler "traces" the shape. Once we are finished with her shapes, I will create a new set with letters and numbers. 

Another multisensory approach using the sandpaper squares would be to make letters and numbers with puffy paint or glue for the child to feel.

Here are a few more multisensory ways to practice handwriting:


writing with finger in soft, plush carpet or other fabric
writing with soap on a large cookie sheet
writing on a chalkboard or whiteboard (this is a favorite for my boys because they get to use gross body movements.)
writing with weighted pencils or pencil grips


Here are two ideas for improving handwriting in your older child by working their fine motor skills:


Have your child write a word or phrase on paper, chalkboard or whiteboard with crayon, colored pencil or marker. Let them choose their favorite color. Then have them choose a new color and trace over the letters slightly off to form a "fuzzy letter" word. They can repeat several times, using a different color each time.

Another idea is to write your child's name and them give them an assortment of brightly colored makers or crayons. Ask your child to transform their name by drawing tiny beads of different colors along each letter.

I would like to give a piece of advice regarding older children who struggle with writing. Don't get so focused on the physical aspect of writing that you overlook their natural desire and ability to express themselves creatively. I recently learned this lesson the hard way. I began to get a little nervous this year as I realized that my ten year old home schooled child had never written more than one or two sentences  (at one time) in his life. It seemed to me that he should have moved beyond the "cornmeal box stage" and onto "real" writing. I knew he could be very creative and funny, but when I tried to give him writing assignments he would say he "couldn't think of anything" and then something of a battle would ensue until he was angry and in tears and I was angry and frazzled. Then one day while I was cooking dinner, I noticed that he was recording himself with the tape player. As I listened, I realized he was making up a story! He was really involved, using silly voices and adding sound effects to enhance his story. I had one of those "duh" moments when it dawned on me that he was naturally doing the very thing I was trying so hard to make him do during "school time". He just wasn't physically writing it down on paper.

Another "light bulb" moment came for me when I decided to try letting him type a story at the computer instead of writing it by hand. The first time he sat down to type a huge smile came over his face as he asked me, "Can I write all my stories like this Mom?" It was the first time he completed a story and he did it with eagerness and no tears! A few nights ago he said to me, "Can I use the computer again this week? I think I'm going to write another book. Only, I want to write one like this!." He held up a 300 page book and smiled.


I share all this to encourage you to truly seek to understand your difficult child. Don't make the mistake that I did and repeatedly try to pound a square peg into a round hole. It won't work, trust me! Relax, have fun and enjoy your child. Children are naturally creative, we just have to get out of the way and let them express themselves! 

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