Improving the appearance of handwriting can be a process that requires patience and practice. Often, we notice the first changes in writing after the first grade, when children move to second-grade line spacing. It is normal for there to be one, as this new space in the notebook allows the child to be freer, thus changes in the appearance of the writing occur. It may take a while for everyone to find their own style. However, what do we do if the writing looks worse and worse and starts to become illegible? Then it means that it's time to gradually take the 8 steps that we propose in improving the appearance of handwriting.

1. Choosing the Preferred Pen

Provide several pens and let them try. Some children prefer pens with thinner or thicker nibs, while others prefer a more rigid pen tip. Let them experiment with various tools until they find what suits them best. Why do we discuss the pen? Because it does not let the hand slide uncontrollably on the paper, and the letters can be traced with more precision.

2. Adopting a Correct Writing Position

Even from kindergarten, the teacher draws children's attention to the correct position at the worktable. Although it seems insignificant, the incorrect position is the basis of disorganized writing. Both elbows must be on the table, the back should be straight, the notebook slightly turned towards the left, and the non-writing hand should rest on the writing surface to stabilize it.

3. Correctly Holding the Writing Instrument in Hand

Another important point is the correct support of the writing instrument. We have published a special article on this subject, which you can read here: ritokids.com/holdInstrument

4. Slowly Tracing Each Letter

Often, the main problem with the appearance of writing comes from the rush to finish as quickly as possible. Then, the writing seems very chaotic, and the letters no longer resemble each other.

5. Do Not Lift the Pen off the Paper

What I recommend to my students is not to lift the pen off the paper. In this way, they have continuity in what they write, and the tracing of the letters will be more uniform. If the pen is lifted off the paper, the writing will appear broken, jerky.

6. Analyze the Writing Together

Suggest to the child to write a longer sentence, and then analyze the writing together. Look at the same letters to see if they look the same each time. Extract from the text only the letters you want to improve. Rewrite the text and reanalyze the practiced letters.

7. Choosing a Personal Style

Whether they like to write with smaller, larger, thick, or slanted letters, the secret is to always respect the same style. I do not recommend combining them. Let them choose what they like more.

8. Using the RitoKids App

Let them practice at least 10 minutes each day with the Rito Kids app. Even though we are talking here about using a touch-screen pen, their hand will quickly learn the correct movement, and so they will be able to change the appearance of their writing in a short time. Remember, relaxation is part of this whole process. Do not put pressure on them and help them when you see they need it. Listen to good music in the background and enjoy what you are doing. Perseverance is the key to success.