OT’s do NOT teach handwriting
Handwriting is a complex process of managing written language by coordinating the eyes, arms, hands, pencil grip, letter formation, and body posture. The development of a child's handwriting can provide clues to developmental problems that could hinder a child's learning because teachers depend on written work to measure how well a child is learning (AOTA, 2015).
Occupational therapists can evaluate the underlying components that support a student's handwriting, such as muscle strength, endurance, coordination, and motor control, and parents can encourage activities at home to support good handwriting skills.
Some ways an occupational therapist can help improve handwriting:
- Demonstrate proper posture to supports the proper use of the arms, hands, head, and eyes.
- Measure the level of physical strength and endurance.
- Analyze fine motor control, such as the ability to hold a writing utensil.
- Determine visual and perceptual ability that influences a child's ability to form letter and shapes using a writing utensil.
- Help develop and evaluate handwriting curriculums and collaborate with teachers on effective strategies.
- Suggest home activities that promote the development of skills needed in good handwriting.
What can parents and families do?
- Encourage children to participate in sports and games that could improve visual, motor, and coordination skills, such as playing ball, jacks, marbles, and outdoor sports.
- Require children and teens to use silverware when eating to develop handgrip.
- Provide an activity that exercises the hands, such as cutting pie dough or pizza and using cookie cutters.
- Encourage writing handwritten letters to grandparents and friends.
Resourse for teaching proper pencil grasp (click below):