Whole child solutions to improve handwriting program

Using writing as a tool for learning, showing understanding and demonstrating creativity

Handwriting is a complex process that requires the coordination of many individual skills. These skills should be in place by the time a child is 8 years old. This enables the shift from learning to write to writing to learn.

 

Here is a brief outline of the skills needed to be a functional writer:

  • Somatosensory processing – integrating a network of information from the vestibular, tactile, proprioceptive, visual, and auditory systems.
  • Integration of primitive reflexes and maturation or postural and other reflexes – Primitive reflexes support movement during the first year of life and then are integrated into postural/lifelong reflexes.
  • Postural control –  upright easy, relaxed posture with adequate core stability, stability in the shoulder, elbow, and wrist to allow for mobility in the hand and fingers.
  • Hand control – requires consistent hand dominance, functional mature grasp and in hand manipulation skills.
  • Visual Motor Integration – the ability to recognize and integrate a visual image and translate it to an appropriate motor response (see a letter, copy the letter). Pre-writing shapes:
    • Horizontal lines
    • Vertical lines
    • Circle
    • Diagonal line right
    • Square
    • Diagonal left
    • Cross
    • Triangle
  • Motor Coordination includes motor planning and bilateral integration.
    • Motor planning is the ability to have the idea (ideation) to initiate, sequence and perform an unfamiliar motor task.
    • Bilateral coordination handwriting requires the use of the dominant hand to write and the non-dominant hand to stabilize the paper.
  • Cognitive readiness – the cognitive skills required to meet the demands of the task. Handwriting skills are related to the ability to understand language and to use related cognitive processes including:
    • attention
    • letter perception
    • orientation to printed language
    • ability to follow directions
    • memory
    • sequencing skills
    • conceptual skills
  • Self-esteem – if handwriting is challenging or a child has received messages that his/her handwriting is poor, self-esteem is impacted and a child’s motivation to participate in handwriting activities may be impacted, creating a vicious cycle.

Your program contains:

  • An introduction to the program-audio and text
  • 11 short, simple video clips 2 to 3 minutes long showing you exactly how to do each exercise
  • Fine motor activities (used by therapists)
  • Charts to help track your progress and let your child record his/her achievement
  • Pictures – to help engage your child and give him/her a sense of control
  • Goal setting chart if you would like to track progress
  • Support information

Cost: $296

You can buy each of the home programs individually or as part of a package.

Need more information?

Read our blog to find out about the science behind the programs.

Not sure what’s right for your child? Book a free consultation.