Writing Project

[CUTiger]

I am a graduate student at Clemson University and I'm working on a project where I'm trying to learn to write with my left hand. Is there any type of criteria that is used to determine whether or not children can write well? I've seen something called anchor papers that are used to determine whether or not the children have a low, middle, or high skill level. Unfortunately, I feel that this may be different for my case since I already know how to write.

I write with my right hand, but if for some reason I were to lose an arm, I would need to learn to write with my left hand. Should I use writings from my right hand as the criteria that determines how well I can write with my left hand? Or should I simply compare before and after writing samples from my left hand?

I've talked to local elementary teachers and they gave me some lined paper. They told me to start with blank paper, move to big lines, then move to smaller lines. After that, I don't know what to do. Do I simply compare before and after samples? Do I compare my writing to one of those pages that has all of the letters of the alphabet on it? Also, aren't there different components to writing (i.e. slant, how you hold your pencil, etc.).

I'm sorry for such a long post, but I could really use your help.

Thanks everyone,

Go Tigers

 

[kala~]

writing

I'm 38 years old and while in high school, I worked with kids less fortunate than myself. I was able to work with blind and disabled students. What a blessing that was! As a so-called, "normal" student, I began to challenge myself in writing with my opposite hand, dress myself w/one hand, put sock on with my feet and you name it, I tried it. It was more difficult than I had first thought. However, I also thought about the "what if's" in life. You just have to continue working on training your left hand to do what the right can do so naturally.
There are many writing books that teach. Any will do. Work on big loops, little loops, circles, slanted lines, straight lines in all directions. I was able to train myself to use both hands. You just start out small and work your way up. Good luck!

http://www.zanerbloser.com has books, also look up writing examples online. Have fun!

 

[kala~]

writing

I forgot to add this link.
http://www.donnayoung.org click "handwriting" and watch the animations! That may help some.