BY CAITLIN SMITH, MS, OTR/L, OTD
While we live in a technology-dependent age where handwritten communication is less and less frequent, every child should still master this important skill. Handwriting is a dynamic process that involves both fine motor and visual motor skills. Improved handwriting has been linked to increased literacy, increased composition skills, and improved reading acquisition. Schools are spending less time teaching handwriting, which leaves many children struggling to write legibly and parents fighting tearful battles at home. While the best way to improve handwriting is practice, many children benefit from developing their visual motor and fine motor skills. Winter lends itself to increased time inddors and is a perfect chance to incorporate fun activities to target these skills.
Examples:
Occupational Therapy Evaluation:
Caitlyn Smith, MS, OTR/L, ODT, is an occupational therapist at PhysioPartners.
References
James, K., & Englehardt, L. (2012). The effectiveness of handwriting experience on functional brain development on pre-literate children. Trends in neuroscience and education, 1 (1), 32-42.
AOTA (2002) Handwriting Fact Sheet. Retrieved from http://www.aota.org/About-Occupational-Therapy/Patients-Clients/ChildrenAndYouth/Schools/Handwriting.aspx