Page 31 - Pony Think Write Teachers Guide to Module 1

Module 4: Writing with Fluency and Control Teacher’s Guide.
Objective: Assessing handwriting speed
Lesson plan:
Being able to write at an age appropriate speed whilst thinking is an objective that all children should strive to meet by the end of year 2 going into year 3. Being able to write a story at an appropriate speed is a good indication of a child’s ability to write with automaticity. Children who are able to achieve this objective show they have the ability to think freely, whilst coordinating their handwriting at a subconscious level.
1. Each child has a lined piece of A4 paper, preferably non-illustrated. Children who need some support for spatial position can write on Illustrated Paper.
2. Give a title or topic for children to write about.
3. They have 10 minutes in which to write their story. Set a timer and all the children
start writing at the same time. All the children stop when the timer beep is heard.
The children can finish the word they are writing, but not the sentence.
4. When the timer is heard, instruct the children to put down their pencils.
5. Gather all the papers in.
6. To score the paper count the number of words each child has written and take an
average number of words per minute by dividing the total by 10.
7. The words per minute are then recorded.
8. An age appropriate speed is defined by the National Dyslexia Association as:
The same number of words per minute as the child’s chronological age.
9. To monitor the changes in the children’s handwriting speed it is recommended that the exercise is completed twice a year.
Support:
Maintaining a central record of the children’s scores enables the school to monitor progress over time. Highlighting those children who continue to struggle with speed can ensure resources and support are given at the right time.
© 2016 Shelley Birkett-Eyles. Hemispheres Think Write Limited