Helping Struggling Writers: Free OT Resources to Build Handwriting Skills

Handwriting is a crucial part of learning, but for many children, especially those with unique learning needs, writing can feel like a frustrating hurdle. If you’ve noticed that your child struggles with forming letters, grasping a pencil, or writing comfortably for extended periods, you're not alone. Betsy Sproger, a retired Occupational Therapist (OT), homeschool veteran, and blogger, has developed three helpful resources designed to support parents teaching children who struggle with handwriting.

These free downloads will provide practical activities and tips to help your child build the necessary fine motor skills for better handwriting. Betsy’s expertise as both an OT and homeschooling parent gives her unique insight into addressing challenges with creative and effective solutions.

1. Small Muscle Games for Handwriting

Fine motor skills are essential for writing, but many children struggle with the small muscle movements needed to control a pencil. This download includes a variety of engaging games that target those muscles, making handwriting practice both fun and functional. From finger isolation exercises to creative play with small objects, these activities will build your child's hand strength and coordination, setting the foundation for smoother handwriting.

2. Handwriting Grasp Activities

The way your child holds a pencil can significantly impact their writing ability. A poor grasp may cause fatigue, frustration, and slow progress. Betsy’s Handwriting Grasp Activities are designed to improve your child’s pencil grip by targeting the muscles in the hands, fingers, and wrists. These exercises are simple, using everyday objects you likely have around the house. They can be easily incorporated into your homeschool day, helping your child develop the correct grip for more confident and comfortable writing.

3. Parent’s Guide for Helping Struggling Writers

As parents, it’s tough to watch our children struggle with something as foundational as writing. But with the right approach, you can support their growth without turning writing into a daily battle. Betsy’s Parent’s Guide provides helpful strategies for identifying why your child may be struggling, and offers tips to motivate them without adding pressure. You'll also find suggestions for making writing more accessible for children with different learning needs and abilities, empowering you to guide them at their own pace.

About the Author

Betsy Sproger, the author of these resources, is first and foremost a homeschool mom to her now-adult daughter. When her daughter began struggling with traditional learning environments, Betsy and her husband decided to homeschool her from kindergarten through high school. This decision allowed them to tailor their daughter’s learning to her individual needs and reinforce their family values in everyday teaching.

Betsy’s experience as a retired OT helped her daughter thrive, particularly when it came to developing handwriting skills. Today, she continues to support homeschooling families through her blog, BJ's Homeschool, where she shares her wisdom on teaching children with unique learning needs.

Download Your Free Handwriting Resources

Ready to help your child improve their writing skills? Click the links below to access each of Betsy’s free resources.

Whether you're just beginning your homeschooling journey or are looking for fresh ideas to support your child's handwriting development, these resources from Betsy Sproger will give you the tools to set your child up for success. Be sure to check out Betsy’s blog for more valuable tips and guidance on homeschooling children with unique learning needs.