Curriculum Skill: "Developing a Satisfactory Grip of Writing Implements"
GLD Level: Moderate
Curricular Area: Communication and Language
Curricular Strand: Writing / Attained / Extended
Acquiring / Becoming Fluent / Maintenance / Generalisation / Application / Adaptation
Scribbles with either hand:
- using a crayon, a pencil, pens, paint
Uses whole hand to hold pencil
Copies horizontal, vertical and circular movement using whole arm movement
Makes random marks and experiments with finger paints:
- paints with vivid colours/different textures (sand/glitter may be added to paint)
Draws with finger in a sand tray / Paints with water on a blackboard.
Develops ability to grip drawing implements:
- scribble without direction using a range of materials (chalk, crayons, markers, pencils)
Observe the colour and thickness of the marks made by the various implements
Imitates, with decreasing help, marks made by an adult:
- horizontal and vertical lines, circles, crosses
Draws around shape templates:
- traces outline with finger, draws around shape with finger dipped in paint, draws around/inside the shape with drawing implement
Refines the ability to grip drawing and writing implements:
- progresses (if appropriate) to instruments without special aids, progresses to smaller instruments
Holds pencil correctly with lessening of arm movement and greater use of hand to write
Sits correctly, using second hand to hold paper while writing
Refines further the ability to grip drawing and writing implements:
- colours inside simple shapes and pictures
- large shapes with thick outline gradually refined to smaller shapes
Scribbles with direction and control using a ‘pincer’ grip and draw dots, loops, squiggles, wavy lines, and zig-zag lines
Draws around templates for a particular purpose:
- draws around templates of flowers/animals for a spring collage
Uses a comfortable and efficient pencil grip
Produces a controlled line which supports letter formation
Writes letters using the correct sequence of movements using preferred hand
Begins letters in the correct place
Move round circular shape in the correct direction
Return up a vertical stroke ( as in ‘n’)
Leave a space between groups of letters/symbols
The Curriculum Access Tool for Students with General Learning Disability (CAT-GLD) is a framework developed by the Special Education Support Service based on the Guidelines for Teachers of Students with General Learning Disabilities produced by the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment.