Printing from the Bottom Line Up

My 9 year old son writes some of his numbers and letters different from the norm. It's anything that has a circle shape. a,d, 6,9, etc. His handwriting is very good, and is very readable. He is a smart, creative kid and does very well in school. I don't think anyone has ever commented on his particular way of starting his letters and numbers.

He taught himself to write when he was about 4 years old, and it has stuck by him ever since. But it is in no way, shape or form any big deal. If that is how how he wants to write-then more power to him!

My advise would be to let it go, and let him write how he feels compelled to write. Be happy that he doesn't feel the need to be like everyone else, and has his own way of doing things!

Hi Monika,
I'm an OT and have 7 years experience working with school-aged children on, among other things, handwriting.

The only "big deal" about writing in script (printing) from the bottom-up is efficiency: when he's older and has to be taking notes in class, it *may* slow him down, and he *may* start to struggle in keeping up when writing papers or completing tests. Top-down writing will also make learning cursive a little easier.

He's developed the bottom-up style early-on, so it's not going to be easy to switch (never is), so if you really want him to write properly, it's going to take dedication (10 minutes every day) on your part (the teacher does not have, and will not take, the time).

I can offer you a simple routine to work on with him if you're interested.

Good luck!
t

I don't think it really matters and it's funny how people are referring to the "proper way". I remember a teachers attempt at turning my paper the "right" way because of the way that I turned my paper as I wrote with my left hand when I was a kid.

If he's doing fine in school then I say let it be and make sure his teacher stops reminding him to go from top to bottom as well. My first thoughts were that I bet he's going to be a very intelligent and creative person. Please don't try to make him change if it's not affecting his work. It's a part of who he is and he shouldn't be made to feel as if he's doing something wrong so encourage him to write in the way that feels right for him.

My granddaughter who is 9 and in the 4th grade forms some of her letters differently than is the norm. I think this is because starting in Kindergarten they had the students writing before they actually taught them the correct form to use when forming letters. I don't see it as a problem. Her teachers have never suggested even to her that she should form her letters in a different way.

I'm sure it began when he first began writing his letters - back in preschool or kindergarten. Kids will develop their own way of making letters look the way they are supposed to look unless they are taught the "right" way to form the letters. If someone is not watching and reminding from the beginning, it becomes the way the brain learns to do it.

At this point, it is a habit and the way is brain has learned to write for the last 3-4 years. As with any habit, it will take practice to UN-learn and RE-learn. If you choose to help him learn to make his letters from the top-down, it will be important to sit with him while he is doing his homework so you can watch and GENTLY remind. He needs to be involved in the process, because he will need to consciously think about it the letters he is writing.

It's my guess that it is probably only a select number of letter he writes "incorrectly" and that others are formed the "right" way. If you pay attention to know which letters, it's a matter of him needing to think EVERY time he makes that letter--is this right?

I am not a teacher so I have no real answer for you but I think he has just developed his own way of writing:)

As long as his writing is legible what is the problem with how he has taught himself or what is the most comfortable for him....he is paving his own path:)

I would not think much of it. I remember in second grade, I went through a phrase of writing my N's in a curvy format (like a noodle) instead of the standard straight line type. I think it was just something I thought was funny at the time and a phase I went through b/c I had a very strict 2nd grade teacher. I guess I thought I was getting away with something. Kids do their own things. I'm sure it's nothing to worry about:-)

My husband has written that way his entire life. It used to drive me nuts, but I could always read his writing. He's now in his 30's- is very articulate and intelligent. His bottom-to-top writing has never hindered his note taking abilities and has never steered him away from his studies. Our oldest daughter is writing now and I see her doing the same thing- I'm not concerned at all. Like "they" say- If it's not broke, don't fix it!

buy the Kumon handwriting books, they are awesome and teach the top start position. You can get them online, at Barnes and Noble and I think someone told me she got hers at Target. They have an upperclass and a lowercase book.
This is a very common issue for kids that weren't taught in preschool or kindy the proper way. As long as it's neat it really doesn't matter honestly, by the way.

My son does that, too. He's in 6th grade. I notice, but no teacher has ever pointed it out. Why does it matter?

My late Dad, wrote that way.
And he is/was a very brilliant and creative successful trail-blazing man.
It never caused him problems. And his writing was very legible.

As people, we all write in different ways. I don't know "academically" what a Teacher would say...

All the best,
Susan

Hum, does it really matter if he writes from the bottom? I think we are sometimes too wrapped up in "supposed to", "should", "right way" and that is where we start to loose the self. This is the way his brain is working, it's ok to let it be.

I like the comment of SH "My late Dad, wrote that way.
And he is/was a very brilliant and creative successful trail-blazing man."

My first thought when I read your post was, that is special, it does not need to be changed.