Kindergarten Teachers Need More Help for Handwriting Instruction

Do you get frustrated when you see young children have poor letter formation?  Does it bother you when teachers don’t take the time for handwriting instruction?  New research indicates that kindergarten teachers need more help for handwriting instruction.  They would agree that they need more support in the area of handwriting.

Methodology of the Study on Kindergarten Teachers and Handwriting Instruction

A phenomenological research design (first person point of view) was used and nine kindergarten teachers employed at four elementary schools participated in semi-structured interviews.  The perceptions of teachers related to challenges they face and the support they require in promoting the occupational task of handwriting among the children in their classrooms was discussed.

Results of the Study Kindergarten Teachers and Handwriting Instruction

The researchers found that overall the teachers felt that the lack of a curriculum and formalized training influenced their teaching practices related to handwriting instruction.

The teachers stated that there was a lack of knowledge relating to the following:

• developmental progression.
• the ability to assist struggling students.
• an awareness of strategies to use.
• IEP process.
  

All of these factors contributed to the challenges of kindergarten teachers and handwriting instruction.

School-based occupational therapy providers can sometimes feel frustrated or overwhelmed with handwriting referrals.  This study indicates that teachers need your help to educate them on the developmental progression of handwriting, instructional strategies and tips for students who struggle.

Reference:  Nye, Jill A. and Sood, Divya (2018) “Teachers’ Perceptions of Needs and Supports for Handwriting Instruction in Kindergarten,” The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy: Vol. 6: Iss. 2, Article 6.
Available at: https://doi.org/10.15453/2168-6408.1411

This Handwriting Bundle for PreK-5th Graders is created by school-based Occupational Therapist, Thia Triggs of Print Path. This Handwriting Without Tears© -style letter font, uses 3-lines to best support your students. There are Go-Dots, Gray-Boxes, and Simple Arrows that inform rather than confuse learners. Best practices include research-based methods incorporating application of developmental and motor learning theories to benefit your struggling learners.  Includes Teacher Guides!

This Handwriting Station Bundle Deal will save you TONS of time with these NO-PREP activities that encourage handwriting practice for your students.  Set up a handwriting station in the classroom or at home so students can practice handwriting throughout the day in the classroom.  Great for early finishers!