Did you know that simply having students write on vertical surface, such as a white board or wall poster, can offer tremendous benefits? I often implement this simple alteration into my daily sessions with students when I ask them to write to spell dictated sounds or words. Read below to learn about the variety of ways this is beneficial to their development!
Vertical writing...
Can help increase body awareness.
Can improve visual tracking and eye convergence skills.
Can help fidgety children sustain their attention and engage in learning more than when they are seated.
Can assist with directionality and spatial awareness.
Many of these are areas of concern that can inhibit a student's focus and/or capabilities during literacy activities. What teacher isn't looking for a simple way to help students overcome their limitations, increase student engagement, and enhance learning?
Simply working on a vertical surface can help address and alleviate those concerns, which increases the effectiveness of the literacy-based skills as well.
And that's not all, there's more...
When writing on a vertical surface,
The wrist is placed in extension, which encourages better control and coordination of the fingers.
Working against gravity builds strength!
Doing big movements in various directions requires the child to cross their midline, which helps with handedness, and gets both sides of the brain working together (This is called bilateral coordination).
Desktop easels work just as well, if you want students to remain at a table setting, but still have the opportunity to vertical write. You can also tape paper to a wall/window, or use chart paper if you do not have sufficient board space.
Give your students an opportunity to work on a vertical surface, and see if you notice a difference. I would love to hear how this works for you!
