Raise Your Hand For Writing

Have some students who just "don't get" how they're supposed to hold a pencil correctly? Instead of arm wrestling at their desk, try taping a piece of drawing paper on a smooth, vertical surface in the classroom and having them copy their spelling/vocabulary words vertically. For most students, this technique will help them automatically bend back their wrists and hold the pencil with the thumb and first two fingers. It often helps them remember to incorporate their non-dominant hand to either hold the paper steady or rest it on the vertical surface.

Students with typical hand strength and endurance will write for about 5-10 minutes in this position but students who spend most of their time in sedentary activities may only last a couple of minutes before tiring. Adjust your expectations but keep expecting more as they practice and develop greater endurance over the school year.