Ready for writing - seating and desks
In order to write effectively it
is important to be sitting in a stable position.
If your child is not able to
balance when sitting they will find it hard to take
their
hands away from their body in
order to write fluently. Therefore it is important to
consider your child’s
seating and the table or desk they are using.
Unfortunately
changing these is not always an
option in school but it is something that could be
considered at home.
The ideal sitting position
is:
• Feet flat on the floor (if
the child’s feet don’t touch the floor try placing a
box or
telephone book under
their feet for extra height).
• Hip, knees and ankles at
90º
• Trunk supported by the
backrest of the chair (a cushion behind could help).
• Thighs and buttocks well supported on the
chair.
The table or desk should be about
2Ëù below elbow height, when the elbow is
bent
to 90° when your child is
sitting up straight.
There are specialist tables and chairs available
that can be height adjusted
to suit your
child.
Look out for signs of poor trunk
stability such as sitting in a “W” position, i.e.
placing
their bottom between their legs
on the floor. If your child does this, encourage them
to
sit cross-legged and lean against
a wall if necessary. Some children may “flop” over on
the table and prop their heads up with their hands - a chair with
good support is essential before your child can begin work freely
and confidently with
his/her hands.