[senco-forum] Handwriting

I would get hold of the exam regulations and check out for yourself if what the exam officer says is correct.

Quote : "At a course I attended a few years ago the 'handwriting lady'
said that it was very difficult to change a child's handwriting past
the age of 12, unless the child actively wanted to change it."

Occupational therapists will make that statement - usually it's an LEA
policy based on funding criteria - and there are secondary schools
using methods which disprove that 'theory'.

I question whether it is right for a school to be prepared to say
'we've failed you by ignoring your problems but it's too late now'.

He's 15 and has a lifetime ahead of him.  Where else will that child
get the help and support required to give him the basics that school
has been charged with providing.

Problems with handwriting indicate that motor skills deficits are
preventing easy expression of thought. What about an intensive course
in keyboarding skills and using IT instead?  In my experience you can
open up a mind and brain you never knew existed with that one simple
difference.  And you wouldn't need extra time.

On 05/03/07, Maggie Downie <maizie2004 at yahoo.co.uk> wrote:
> I would get hold of the exam regulations and check out for yourself if what the exam officer says is correct.
>
> If they are assessed by a specialist teacher and are found to have a significantly slow writing speed, would that make any difference?  Do they have any other problems?  Poor handwriting could be a 'cover' for poor spelling, or it could indicate motor difficulties.
>
> I do think it is late in the day for raising the issue of their handwriting.  How has the school 'accepted' practically illegible handwriting for all this time and not done anything about getting it investigated?
>
> Are these boys willing to be helped with their handwriting.  At a course I attended a few years ago the 'handwriting lady' said that it was very difficult to change a child's handwriting past the age of 12, unless the child actively wanted to change it.
>
> Maggie
> Greg <gregory.lambert at btinternet.com> wrote: Hi,
>
> We currently have two students (1 in year 9 the other in year 10) whose handwriting is giving the parents and school a serious cause for concern.
>
> The parents have requested 'extra time' in their exams. I have looked at their writing and it is legible - only just! Our examinations officer claims that they are not entitled to any extra time as they have not received any extra time in previous exams. Is this right?
>
> Also, we intend to spend about 30 minutes each week on a one to one basis to help the pupils improve their handwriting. Any ideas what to do? Bearing in mind that these pupils are 14 - 15 year old males.
>
> Any advice is appreciated.
>
>
>
> Take care,
>
>
>
> Greg
>
> SENCo  Lancs
>
>
>
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