A Checklist of Handwriting Skills
1. Performance observation
 pen or pencil is held properly
 paper is positioned at a “normal” slant
 writing posture is acceptable
 writing speed is acceptable
2. Correct letter formation
 closed letters are closed
 looped letters are looped
 stick letters are not loops
 i’s and j’s are dotted directly above
 x’s and t’s are crossed accurately
 m’s and n’s have the correct number of humps
 all lowercase letters begin on the line (unless they
follow b, o, v, or w)
 b, o, v, and w end above the line
 all lowercase letters end on the line
 v’s and u’s are clearly delineated
 connecting strokes of v and y are clearly not ry and ry
 uppercase letters are correctly or acceptably formed;
 numbers are correctly formed
3. Fluency
 writing is smooth, not choppy
 pencil pressure appears even
 words appear to be written as complete units
 letter connection is smooth
4. Letter size, slant, and spacing
 lowercase letters are uniform in size
 uppercase letters are clearly
 uppercase letters are uniform in size
 tail lengths are consistent and do not interfere with
letters on the line below
 tall letters are a consistent height and are clearly taller
than other letters
 writing it not too small or too large
 slant of letters is acceptable
 slant of letters is consistent
 spacing of letters and words is consistent
5. Student attitude toward writing
 student’s opinion of his writing skills
OK
Needs
Review
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
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“writing is hard”
writes too slowly
feels good about writing
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6. Overall teacher evaluation
Teacher Recommendation:
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You appear to write smoothly and easily. Your letters are formed correctly.
Letter size, slant, and spacing are good. Your writing is neat and legible. It is
not necessary for you to complete the handwriting exercises.
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You appear to write smoothly and easily. You have developed your own writing
style which is acceptable, neat and legible. It is not necessary for you to
complete the handwriting exercises.
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You appear to write smoothly and easily. However, your letter formation,
neatness, and legibility need some work. Please complete the handwriting
exercises.
[ ]
Writing seems to be difficult for you. You need practice in handwriting skills.
Please complete the handwriting exercises.
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Source
L.R. Ruedy, “Handwriting Instruction,” Academic Therapy, 18, 4 (1983): 427-428 (Novato,
California: Academic Therapy Publications). Reprinted by permission.