Product Description

Speed Up! is a tried-and-tested programme designed specifically for children aged 8-13, whose handwriting is slow, illegible or lacking in fluency. Whether the problems are associated with a developmental coordination disorder (such as dyspraxia), dyslexia or ADHD, or whether they are the result of poor handwriting habits acquired early on, this book will provide an effective source of help.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #21595 in Books
• Published on: 2004-02-19
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 64 pages

About the Author
Lois Addy is a paediatric occupational therapist and has over twenty years experience of working with children with dyspraxia. She currently works at York St John College, University of Leeds as a senior lecturer in professional health studies.

Customer Reviews

Useful for teacher or parent
The book is informative, easy to read and use, reasonably priced and has photocopiable pages (ideal for small group work). It combines a number of known ideas, occupational therapy exercises, resistance exercises with multi-sensory music and movement into a short and effective programme. I used it with an 8 year old who could only manage mixed sized print and now he can write using cursive writing. He still does the exercises to build muscle memory and strength. It is not the neatest writing but its legible and he is very proud of it, and that is what counts. There has to be some student co-operation to ensure the exercises are completed daily and this is what shortens the overall time the programme takes to be effective.

If you have the time, this is brilliantly effective
I was lent this book on recommendation and I spent the Summer hols doing it with my 10 year old son. You do need to purchase a number of specialist items (e.g. double-sided blackboard) and you need commitment from the child (a pre-selected prize was very motivational). The emphasis is on fun, with plenty of activities and exercises but effort is required. The improvements are measurable and significant. My son is very pleased with the outcome and like the other reviewer, continues with the warm-up exercises daily.

Waste of money
I bought this book for my 11 year old who needs help with tidying up his general handwriting skills. I was very disappointed that this book seemed more concerned with discussing kinaesthetic theory rather than actual handwriting example and practice. So if you are looking for something more practical, I'd have to advise that you give this book a miss. It is definitely not worth spending the current asking price of around £10.