Top Tip: Handwriting "Bump the Line"!

 "Bump the Line"

A phrase that I say quite often with children learning to write (aka "align") to the writing line or base line. 

Some children have never been taught to write on the line. It is quite common, as the focus begins with drawing, shapes and letter formation when children are starting to put pencil to paper. 

But then, the expectations come quickly that writing should be aligned and letter sizes should automatically reduce and fit between those lines. 

Some children will just not notice the lines.  They have become accustomed to having a whole page or a whole box to write their words so it is just not on their "radar". 

Others have difficulty for a number of reasons: 
* Visual motor skills- Understanding how lines and shapes are positioned in relationship to each other and with the lines on the page can be difficult for those with visual motor and visual spatial difficulties. These difficulties can been seen with letters written over the top of each other, huge gaps between letters, huge spaces or no spaces or both, inconsistent letter sizes and difficulties with aligning to writing lines. 
* Dynamic vs static pencil control - Children begin writing by controlling a pencil with their whole arm, then their control moves to their elbow, wrist and hand.  This progressive control develops as stability is gained and "ideally" the pencil is controlled with dynamic movements of the hand as intrinsic muscles push and pull.   When children control the pencil with their whole arm, elbow or wrist... it means that they will have difficulty reducing letter sizes and forming small movements with their pencil. Control is less precise so writing on the line can be affected. 
* Fine motor skills - Many of the children who have difficulty with dynamic finger movements will have poor fine motor skills. Read more on my site about FINE MOTOR SKILLS.
* Page stabilization difficulties - When a child stabilises their head rather than the page that they are writing on, it is often a sign of poor postural control (ie. poor core muscle strength).  Read more on my site about this issue PAGE STABILIZATION. 

So "bump the line". 

We start by using a physical boundary to help a child to "feel" where the line is.  This might be a ruler, an adult finger, wikki stix, playdough.... whatever you have at hand. 

Once a child is more aware of the line, take that physical prompt away. Your child might then need just a visual prompt such as highlighting the line.  Then move to just a verbal prompt "bump the line".  I often say this as they approach the line with their pencil. 

Every child is different. Some can move from physical to verbal prompt to nothing within one session.  For others it will take months and require repetition of each of the prompts. 

For others who have a combination of difficulties mentioned previously, additional support will also be required.  Earth paper lines are another great way to encourage the visual spatial awareness needed for handwriting legibility. Read more HERE and purchase EARTH PAPER lines HERE.  Earth paper lines also includes transition paper to assist children to move towards using ordinary writing lines. You will also find flashcards with Earth Paper lines at the YKOT shop. 

Would you like more handwriting tips and tricks?  The handwriting resources from The Functional Skills for Kids Therapy Team are currently 50% off until January 31st in celebration of National Handwriting Day in the US.  Use the coupon code: Handwriting Day ---> TAKE ME TO THE SALE! 

Have you tried to "bump the line" with your kids? 

What are your top tips for writing on the line? 

Cindy is a registered occupational therapist practising in Sydney, Australia.  She has two growing children who are a constant source of inspiration and learning.  Cindy loves working creatively to help children to reach their potential, finding opportunities in everyday living and making learning fun. She is also addicted to making printables (even when they take a long time to complete).  Cindy is the author of the Occupational Therapy blog Your Kids OT.  Read more articles from Your Kids OT at https://www.yourkidsot.com/blog

Cindy is a member of the Functional Skills for Kids Therapy Team.  They have together published THE HANDWRITING BOOK, THE SCISSORS SKILLS BOOK and THE TOILETING BOOK.

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