Tips for Teachers: Ways to Support Handwriting Development in the Classroom

Tried and true handwriting tips for teachers from an occupational therapist to support a child's handwriting development.

Let's face it: supporting good handwriting skills in the age of tablets, TikTok, and shortened attention spans can seem as daunting as teaching cursive to squirrels. The reality is that many schools no longer prioritize handwriting instruction. You often get assignments that are a confusing mix of capital letters and sentences with little spacing, making it feel like you're deciphering a puzzle. But rest assured — you're not alone in this endeavor. Whether you're working with first graders who grip pencils like cavepeople or fifth graders whose writing looks like hieroglyphics, there are ways to help. Here are a few simple handwriting tips for teachers from an occupational therapist to turn writing from a daily challenge into a classroom success.

Are you worried about how they hold their pencil? Here are suggestions to help address the most common concern among teachers.

1. Pencil size: big round pencils are not just for pre-K students. I've tried many pencils throughout my 20+ years as an OT, and I am partial to Ticonderoga pencils. I especially love their big round pencils commonly used in preschools. I always have these in my OT toolbox. Whenever I begin working with a child that has an immature pencil grip, I start with this pencil. Once they've developed a more mature pencil grip I offer them a choice between thinner or thicker pencil.

   • Comfortable Grip: The larger diameter makes it easier for hands to hold.

   • Improved Control: They provide better control for children still developing their fine motor skills.

     
     

2. Pencil grips: I own several pencil grips, but the children I work with frequently decline to use them during sessions for various reasons. Many express discomfort with the way they feel. For those who do use them, they often misplace the grips or the pencils they are attached to, causing frustration. If you have them, give them a try. Each child is unique. However, if they don't prove helpful, don't be concerned. I haven't had much success with them either.

   
   

3. Practice "Pinch and Flip": have your student pinch the pencil near the tip with their thumb and index finger, and flip it over, so that the pencil rests in the web space.

Are you worried about spacing and line awareness?

1. Floating letters: If you have students whose letters hardly ever rest on that bottom line, here are some suggestions

   • highlight or use a marker to emphasize the bottom line. This may be too time consuming to do with every student but can be used on an individual basis with those that struggle with floating letters. It serves as a visual reminder that letters need to touch that bottom line.

     • Choose a bright color that stands out.

     • Use the technique consistently across writing exercises.

     • Encourage students to self-check their work using the highlighted line.

       
       

2. Diving Letters: Let’s get this straight—g, p, y, j, and q are the exclusive members of the underwater club! These letters have special permission to dive under the bottom line and go fishing. I like to tell the kids that these letters are on a fishing adventure. I even draw little fishes as visual supports. When it’s time to check their work, I ask if their diving letters are splashed under the line. Feel free to invent a fun name for these letters that fits your classroom vibe and reminds them of their special spot on the bottom line.

   • Stick a cheat sheet on their desk showing those sneaky letters diving below the line like they're playing limbo!

     
     

3. Word spacing problems: Does your student write like they're auditioning for the world's longest word? Let's help them give those poor letters some breathing room!

   • Tried and true use of finger spacing between words is a helpful tool that can't get lost.

   • Spacing tools: inexpensive popsicle sticks, another pencil, or store bought spacers. These often go missing or need reminders to use.

   • Graph paper: using paper with grid lines helps students see and consistently skip one box when leaving space between words. There are websites that allow you to create graph paper with the square size that works best for your student.

Teach students to take pride in their work and check for progress. Create a simple checklist for self-monitoring:

• Are my letters on the line?

• Did I leave spaces between words?

• Is my writing neat and easy to read?

Celebrate effort over perfection, and be specific in praise: “I love how your letters are sitting on the line!” goes much further than a generic “Good job.”

You don’t need to be an OT to support better handwriting in your classroom — just a few mindful tweaks and engaging strategies can help students build confidence and skill. And remember: if you have concerns about a student’s fine motor development, collaborate with your school’s occupational therapist. Early support can make a lasting difference.

“The patience you offer, the guidance you give, and the kindness you model become the quiet cornerstones of a student’s life.” (author unknown)