Finding the Cause of Slow Handwriting

My second-grader is having problems completing her schoolwork in class on time. I suspect that this is because she simply can't write fast, especially when she is copying from the board. What would you advise to help her? - Slow Handwriting
Answer: Begin by talking to your daughter's teacher about your concerns. We certainly do not know if there are any serious problems or even a learning disability that would cause slow handwriting that might require special help and accommodations. Because your child has problems copying from the board, be sure to have her vision checked. Also, the school corporation might have an occupational therapist who could check whether your daughter's fine motor skills are on target for her age, as this skill plays a major role in how well young children write.
Close observation of your daughter while she is writing will give you and her teacher clues to what the child's problem is. Notice how she holds her pencil. An awkward grip could explain slow handwriting. Hesitation in the formation of certain letters could indicate that she doesn't automatically know how to form them. If the major problem occurs when she is copying material, you need to realize that this is a difficult task for many children.
As far as solutions go, more comfortable handwriting grips can be taught. It also can help children who have problems recalling how letters are formed to have an alphabet strip on their desks that they can glance at. You could also help her speed up by having her practice tracing or joining dots together to form problem letters. Work with just one letter at a time, and have her state the steps she is taking to form the letter as she writes it. Also, encourage activities that require her to write, from making lists to writing notes.