A handwriting tutor works with students one-on-one or in groups to help them improve their writing skills. A handwriting tutor’s responsibilities include both observation and instruction. A tutor watches students write and then gives them instructions on how to sit properly while writing, how to hold a writing utensil, and what stroke, spacing, and size to use. Tutors may meet with students on a daily or weekly basis, depending on the needs of the students. Good penmanship and training in how to teach handwriting to others are typically required for becoming a handwriting tutor.
A handwriting tutor will usually assess the student’s handwriting during the first tutoring session. It’s possible that the letters are too large or ill-formed. It’s possible that words are written too close together or too far apart. A skilled tutor can identify areas that need improvement by watching the student hold a pen or pencil and write individual letters. The tutor can devise an appropriate lesson plan that teaches proper technique and increases the learner’s enthusiasm by paying close attention to how the learner sits while writing and the general attitude that he or she exhibits during the writing process.
A handwriting tutor may then ask students to complete specific tasks. If the challenge only requires you to write certain letters, your writing exercises may be limited to just those letters. Other students might be asked to write the alphabet from memory while being reminded and given instructions as they go. When a student is learning to write the alphabet, he or she is usually given examples to look at while writing. The tutor will usually write the letters while the student watches to teach the proper direction and stroke of each letter.
Having good handwriting and going through training on how to teach penmanship are two requirements for becoming a penmanship tutor. Courses on teaching the alphabet to children are commonly offered in early childhood education programs. Tutors who teach handwriting privately must be patient and enjoy working with children. Providing frequent praise and encouragement to children is an important part of teaching handwriting.
Depending on the student’s needs, a handwriting tutor may meet with them on a daily or weekly basis. If a student’s handwriting issues are causing him or her to receive poor grades on class assignments, more frequent sessions are usually required to help him or her catch up. Seeing consistent improvements in penmanship may encourage some students to practice at home more frequently, resulting in even faster progress.