Building writing skills involves developing fine motor control, hand strength, and coordination through activities that improve pencil grasp, posture, and sensory feedback in children.
Writing on a vertical (up and down) surface helps to promote an efficient pencil grasp position. Writing on a vertical surface, engages the shoulder muscles to work against gravity which promotes the development of the arm strength and stability. This position also encourages an extended wrist position and improved grip needed for writing. An added benefit of using the chalkboard is the slight resistance needed to write with the chalk and the feeling of the chalk moving on the board. This provides greater feedback to the child’s sensory system to improve learning new movement patterns.
There are a variety of easy to access vertical surfaces such as a chalkboard, an easel, the wall (tape on paper) filing cabinet (and instant magnet center!), refrigerator, washer/dryer, or a table tipped on it’s side. When working on a vertical surface, the paper or work should be positioned just above eye level.
Put these activities into vertical and watch your children have fun while developing more efficient hand skills for writing:
1. coloring:
2. stickers
3. stamping
4. magnets
5. painting
6. magnadoodle
We will be building many new skills in our Budding Writers Group starting on October 3, 2014. Our OT team will work with parents and their children to find fun ways to gain the skills that will help with handwriting. Click here for more details about Fall 2014 Groups.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is writing on a vertical surface beneficial for children?
Writing vertically engages shoulder muscles, promotes arm strength and stability, encourages an extended wrist position, and helps develop a proper pencil grasp, all of which support more efficient handwriting.
What types of vertical surfaces can be used for writing practice at home?
Children can practice on chalkboards, easels, taped paper on walls, filing cabinets, refrigerators, washers/dryers, or even tables tipped on their sides.
How does using chalk or other materials on vertical surfaces improve learning?
The slight resistance from materials like chalk provides sensory feedback, helping children learn and refine new movement patterns needed for writing.
What fun activities can children do on vertical surfaces to improve writing skills?
Activities include coloring, using stickers, stamping, magnets, painting, and using Magnadoodles, which make skill-building enjoyable and engaging.
How can parents support their children’s handwriting development at home?
Parents can set up accessible vertical surfaces, provide a variety of engaging activities, and encourage regular practice to strengthen hand skills and fine motor development.
Yours in Health,
New Horizons Wellness Services8880 SW Nimbus Ave Suite C.,
Beaverton, OR 97008
- https://g.page/newhws
New Horizons Wellness Services provides a true multidisciplinary approach to mental & physical health treatments for children, adults and families.