Twins at a Different Learning Pace...

He may have low muscle tone in his hands....some things that may help would include, working with clay (some playdough but clay is stiffer), helping you bake by using the sifter, um, anything that makes his hands work without him knowing it. You can hide small things in playdough and clay and have him be a treasure hunter and find them---pulling them out is a great workout. Cutting with scissors.

Change up the writing experience too: have him use an easel (vertical writing is usually easier), color under a table (paper taped to bottom of table and he lays on floor (or pillow) to color, sidewalk chalk outside on the sidewalk, fence, brick...color on a box (anything different and exciting).

I hope that helps. I am a twin and my twin and I had some differences in our skill sets. It was hard at times but we are very close despite those differences.

Good luck....

Maybe have him use magnetic letters more ( on the refrigerator). Make sure you have fun writing utensils like markers and funny looking pens and pencils and all types of fun paper.

C., if you are not already, you may want to consider joining a support group for mothers of multiples; these types of issues are an everyday discussion in a multiples group. If you are close to Plano, our group is at www.pamom.org. We have an on-line discussion group for toddler moms. I have a set of 4 year old girls with similar issues. I believe Reagan, the one who does not write as well, is smart enough to do it, but I think she refuses because she is intimidated or irritated or some combination of those feelings because her sister is so much better and faster at many things. It has been suggested that we put them in different classes in Kindergarten for that reason and I am considering it; although it will be hard because they are very close and have always had each other. Beyond all that, consider a teacher's store - I like US Toys at Independence & Custer. They have lots of workbooks that help develop writing and all the other kindergarten skills; some are Dora or Diego or Blue's Clues so it interests the children more. Let them work on different things - one child colors or does matching workbooks while the other writes; so the comparison is not there. I have been getting creative. For instance, Jean (the other twin) knows our address well, but Reagan refuses to even answer the question. So one day I told a story about a doll that went for a walk in the forest and got lost (it was after they had watched Beauty & the Beast). An owl helped the doll find it's way home, because the doll knew its address. So then I started asking Reagan how she would teach her dolls to know the address, or what the doll should say when it was asked about the address. She had no trouble mastering that skill in that setting. Relax a little bit; I don't think children need to know how to write before kindergarten; it's nice, but not necessary. More important that they understand what letters are, how they make up words, what they sound like etc. Not important that they can read, just that they begin to understand that we put the letters together to make words. just my opinion but based on asking a lot of questions. good luck. I also have twin 17 mo old boys. very different than girls; more aggressive, more physical.

My son just got a book called "Learn to Write Your Letters".
It is a write on/wipe off book.
That might be fun.
Also there are placemats where the children can trace letters and wipe them off.

I think it is about practice and holding the marker correctly. Have you asked him to write with the other hand?
Just curious...

My son uses both hands to throw, to brush his teeth, to do a lot of things... AND I think because he doesn't have a dominant hand, his writing is not great either.

Hmmmmm I can't wait to read more responses.

Hi, C.,
I think it's great that you are noticing that "Michael is extremely well spoken, imaginative and creative". If you want to continue working with the writing, maybe he can play act a role that requires writing, while being verbal and creative - a teacher, football coach, something he is familiar with. Also, giving him plenty of opportunities to shine with his bro. present. And he really won't be behind everyone when he gets to school, as you probably know. It's just that you have that built-in demonstration of differences in your home. I would definitely stay away from any struggle around it! Keep wrtiting light, or not at all.
Best wishes,