Dynamics of Programming and Control, and Serial Organization of Movements as the Basic Components of Handwriting (Based on Grafomotor Test)

Abstract

We present the results of a longitudinal study of the formation of grafomotor skills in primary school children of 7–9 years old (students of I-II grades). With the help of a computerized test of serial organization of movements and writing in conjunction with the general neuropsychological testing in children, we revealed patterns of study skills development in health and learning disabilities. The development of grafomotor skills from I to II class in successful and unsuccessful learners is uneven: second-graders perform tasks faster and with fewer regulatory errors, but the spatial characteristics of letters deteriorate. Children with learning disabilities have deficit in the formation and automation of grafomotor and writing skills that can be associated with the identified deficiency of programming and monitoring functions in this group, as well as the serial organization of movements. In addition, a comparative analysis of the relationships between age, social factors (class) and the formation of the tested function, allowed to detect a greater social influence on this process.