I switched him to the smaller lined paper and that seems to be helping him. He is working on quality in his writing. If your little guy is 4 I would give him lots of time before you start to worry. My son is 4. We practice writing letters.
Some days are better than others.
After reading WTM I have backed off a little, concentrating more on learning to read or verbal spelling. I would love to hear some personal experiences. I push him to go a minute or two beyond his comfort zone. He has been very reluctant at penmanship. I have not required much of him but am beginning to require more.