Writing speed - tips and advice
- Speed in handwriting is related to age – the rate of the greatest increase being between 7 –
9 years - Children reach adult levels of speed at approx. 15 years old
- At the age of 13, students should write at 13 words per minute
- At the age of 15 – 16 ‘GCSE’ level students should write at about 20 words per minute
- There are two reasons for slow writing speed:
- children with poor mechanics for writing are deterred even further when needing to
integrate spelling and composing into the process - children with poor handwriting usually have an unstable motor set and are unable to
write automatically and with flexibility
- children with poor mechanics for writing are deterred even further when needing to
Endurance is necessary in exam situations or for recording information in a classroom environment.
Poor hand writers frequently cannot sustain the legibility of their writing as the length of their
assignment/task increases, often causing pain or discomfort in their hands/forearms. As the student
tires, letter sizes may become smaller, writing more laboured and letters and words omitted.
If mastery of correct letter formation does not occur during primary years, the speed of writing will
be affected. The outcome of decreased speed could therefore affect an individual’s ability to record
enough information required during an exam situation.
Speed is the last component of handwriting to be worked on and requires a lot of practice on a daily
basis.
If you are worried about your child’s handwriting speed, it is advised that you speak to school
regarding having additional time in exams or using alternative methods of recording their work.