Just turned 6 year old can't write basic numbers like 2, 3, 5

[Anonymous]

Does this sound like some kind of delay? He just started kindergarten and for his homework he has to write the numbers 1-10 and his 2 looks like an S and he couldn't do a 3 or 5 either. He can identify the numbers and can write letters (not great handwriting though) so it didn't occur to me there could be something going on. His class art is also very poor compared to the other kids. What do you think?

[Anonymous]

Did he go to preschool 5-6? My just turned 5 K kid can do all that. But her preschool had a good small motor skills component snd they practiced every day. He needs to build his small motor skills, drawing lines, playing with playdoh a lot etc.

[Anonymous]

Possibly dysgraphia. OT and a lot of home practice needed. Watch letter formation closely - if you are going to a public school, they will completely let it slide. Ask me how I know.

[Anonymous]

Handwriting gets better through practice -- writing strokes slowly and deliberately, even when they pout and complain and lie on the floor in refusal. You simply have to make them practice writing something every day after school, and you have to sit beside them and model each stroke, because otherwise they just make the lines and circles in a random order. In school there are a lot of kids and the teacher cannot correct everyone's strokes.

[Anonymous]

Dysgraphia

[Anonymous]

My son goes to Kumon and I really appreciate how they focus on handwriting skills. Could be an option if you are worried you don’t know how to help.

[Anonymous]

Handwriting takes lots of practice. Might be fine, keep practicing, and watch closely.

[Anonymous]

Was he doing writing before?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Was he doing writing before?

He can write letters (not amazing but legible)

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Did he go to preschool 5-6? My just turned 5 K kid can do all that. But her preschool had a good small motor skills component snd they practiced every day. He needs to build his small motor skills, drawing lines, playing with playdoh a lot etc.

Yes OP this is preschool stuff and gets refined in K. Did your kid go to daycare/preschool?

[Anonymous]

My kid just started pre-K 4 and her main task this week is working on S, 2, and 5. Those are hard for kids that age. Was he in preschool before this or is this his first formal writing instruction? If he wasn’t working on this before, I’d think he just needs practice.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Does this sound like some kind of delay? He just started kindergarten and for his homework he has to write the numbers 1-10 and his 2 looks like an S and he couldn't do a 3 or 5 either. He can identify the numbers and can write letters (not great handwriting though) so it didn't occur to me there could be something going on. His class art is also very poor compared to the other kids. What do you think?

Yes, if he was not prepped in preschool/daycare then he likely cannot write the numbers yet and is learning. It’s not dysgraphia! At the beginning they just copy what they see it’s more of drawing than writing. I worked in a public school and have seen many kids who could barely write a few numbers /letters. They learned just fine. Don’t worry, he’s not behind.

[Anonymous]

2, 3 and 5 are the hardest numbers!

[Anonymous]

Jumping to dysgraphia is nuts. Just practice more diligently.

[Anonymous]

Ask the teacher how he compares to the other kids. The first part of this is having him learn to make the numbers with large motions, like writing in the air with his finger. Once he has learned what shape he is making, then have him do it on a large paper or chalkboard or whatever. Then you work on getting it smaller on paper, which turns it from gross motor to fine motor. Can he cut with scissors and do buttons? Those are fine motor skills.