How to Have Better Handwriting

Poor handwriting can improve with practice.

Even with the soaring use of computer keyboards for writing, traditional handwriting is still a pivotal part of the way people communicate. If you have poor handwriting there are things you can do to improve it. The methods are the same for both children and adults, and with practice, your handwriting will get better. Improving your handwriting could be as simple as changing the way you hold your pencil, or simply slowing down when you write.

Difficulty:

Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Lined Paper

1. Lined paper keeps your letters proportional. Comstock/Comstock/Getty Images

   Use lined paper when you write, as it will help you to keep your letters in proportion, making your sentences neater. Lined paper also acts as a guide to keep your sentences going in one direction, without floating up or down the page.

2. Use your thumb, index and middle fingers to hold your pencil in place. Keith Brofsky/Photodisc/Getty Images

   Hold your pencil so that it rests near the base of your thumb. Use your thumb, index and middle fingers to hold it in place.

3. Pressing too hard makes it diffcult to write smoothly. Siri Stafford/Photodisc/Getty Images

   Stop pressing too hard when you write. Writing uses smooth and curvy lines; too much pressure makes it harder for you to make these lines.

4. Erasing a lot is a sign of writing too fast. Stockbyte/Stockbyte/Getty Images

   Slow down while writing, especially if you notice that you erase frequently. Fast writing makes it hard for you to control when you start and stop letters and numbers, causing more mistakes.

5. Play games that require you to draw or control your hand movements. Such games will help train your hands to control your pencil because you are using the same control skills you need while writing. To strengthen the muscles you use to write, try using to a clothespin to pick up your game piece while you're playing a board game.

Tips & Warnings

• Try different pens and pencils until you find one you are most comfortable using.

References

• KidsHealth.Org: Five Steps to Better Handwriting

Resources

• University of Buffalo: Low Tech Adaptations to Improve Handwriting