Giving handwriting feedback learners want to hear

Feedback is the heart of a handwriting class. Done well, it builds confidence. Done badly, it makes a learner hide their notebook.

Know who is in front of you

Adult and senior learners often feel self-conscious about their handwriting, while children may simply feel bored or tired. Start with what is already working, in words that suit the learner’s age.

Pick one thing

A page covered in corrections overwhelms any learner. Choose the single change that will make the biggest difference this week, such as spacing between words, and focus only on that.

Be specific

“Nice work” is pleasant but gives the learner nothing to repeat. “Your tall letters are now all the same height” tells them exactly what worked.

Show progress, not perfection

Keep the first page. When a learner can compare week one with week four, the improvement speaks for itself, and you do not have to argue the case.

Mind the body, not only the page

Many problems come from grip, posture or paper position. If a letter will not improve, look at how the learner is sitting and holding the pencil before asking them to try harder.

End on a high note

Finish each session by pointing to the best line on the page. Learners remember how a class ended.

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