Are you looking for hacks to teach students to use acceptable letter size while writing? If so, keep reading.
1. Get the student to correct their mistakes in letter size.
2. Draw boxes to indicate the size of specific letters in relationship to the lines on the paper.
3. Using tracing paper, have the student trace over specific letters or words.
4. Give the student clearly stated criteria for acceptable work (e.g., neatness, etc.).
5. Acknowledge quality work (e.g., display the student’s work, congratulate the student, etc.).
6. Give the student the appropriate learning materials to finish the task (e.g., pencil with eraser, paper, dictionary, handwriting sample, etc.). Make sure that the student has only those appropriate learning materials on the desk.
7. Teach the student handwriting skills at each level before introducing a new skill level.
8. Inspect the student’s work at several points throughout the task to make sure that the student is making letters an appropriate size.
9. Using a sequence of dots, have the student trace words or sentences.
10. Give the student a number line and alphabet strip on the desk to use as a reference for the correct form of letters and numbers to lessen errors.
11. Give the student various size pencils or pencil grip.
12. Assess the appropriateness of the task to determine (a) if the task is too easy, (b) if the task is too complicated, and (c) if the duration of time scheduled to finish the task is sufficient.
13. Praise the student for using appropriate letter size when writing: (a) give the student a concrete reward (e.g., privileges such as leading the line, handing out learning materials, 10 minutes of free time, etc.) or (b) give the student an informal reward (e.g., praise, handshake, smile, etc.).
14. Get the student’s vision reviewed if it has not been recently reviewed.
15. Utilize vertical lines or graph paper to help the student space letters correctly.
16. Consider using one of the apps on one of our best writing apps lists:
The Tech Edvocate’s List of 31 Grammar & Writing Apps, Tools & Resources
Ten Apps to Help Learners Develop Writing Skills
10 of the Best Grammar and Writing Apps for Elementary School Learners
11 of the Best Grammar and Writing Apps for High School Learners
10 of the Best Grammar and Writing Apps for Middle School Learners
