Low muscle tone, bendy joints and handwriting
Your child has very bendy fingers or low muscle tone. Holding a pencil steady takes extra work, so the hand tires and may hurt. Short practice, good seating and the right tools help.
For: Parents, teachers and therapists of children aged 4 to 8
A cover page with the plan, then 6 worksheets in order (7 pages). Free, no sign-up.
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Save to PinterestWhy it happens
- Bendy finger joints can collapse or lock while holding a pencil.
- Children may grip very tightly or press hard to stay in control, which is tiring.
- Sitting upright also takes effort.
What helps
- Feet flat, table at elbow height, a sloped board.
- Thicker pencils or a soft grip.
- Short rows with rests.
- Warm up the hands first.
- Less copying; allow typing or a scribe for longer work.
The planstep by step.
1Set up
Seating and hand warm-ups.
2Write and rest
Three letters, then rest.
3Light touch
Pressure practice.
When to ask for help
Ask your doctor or an occupational therapist (OT) if joints are often painful, your child tires very quickly, or writing hurts.
These worksheets are practice materials, not a diagnosis or a treatment. Every child develops at their own pace. If you are worried, talk to your child’s teacher, doctor or a specialist.
Questions
Questions about low tone and hypermobility
Still have questions? Visit our Help Center or get in touch.
Can a pencil grip help a hypermobile child?
Related packs
Sources
The LetterSchool app
Between worksheets: practise in the app
The same letter shapes as this sheet, with instant feedback on every line, animations and stars. Children play, and learn the right formation.