Free - 2nd-5th Grade I CAN Handwriting Checklist Adaptive Paper

Help your students build good habits with this adaptive paper that includes an alphabet reference with yellow dots indicated letter formation starting points and color coding for letter sizing. The handwriting checklist can be used as a self reflection and/or as a rubric by the teacher or occupational therapist to determine areas of strengths and needs related to handwriting legibility.

Color coding is used to promote good habits and visual reference. Letter sizing is color coded in the letter strip: blue for tall letters, red for small letters and yellow for fall or digging letters.

The green left margin helps visually remind the student to start writing on the left and the red right margin visually signals "stop".

The I CAN! Handwriting checklist:

• I can make tall letters touch the top and bottom lines: All capitals + bdfhklt.
• I can make small letters start at the dotted line and stand on the bottom line: aceimnorsuvwxz.
• I can make fall letters start at the dotted line and fall below the bottom line: gjpqy.
• I can space my letters correctly: not touching and not too far.
• I can space my words correctly: finger or “ball” space between words.
• I can write on the lines moving left to right on paper when writing sentences.

The 3 point scale using smiley faces can be used as a self checklist or with the help of a teacher or occupational therapist, to help the student reflect on their own writing and areas they can continue to work on.

This page can help occupational therapists and/or special education teachers with data collection related to handwriting mechanics and organization.