ESC Region 13

Beat the Heat Conference 2013

Handwriting Without Tears

Presented by: Melissa Eckhoff, COTA

& Sarah Worcester, COTA

Why is Handwriting Still Important?

• Handwriting can change how children learn and their brains develop.

• Good handwriting can mean better grades. • Handwriting is faster and aids memory. • Handwriting proficiency inspires confidence.

What Makes HWT different?

• Multi-Sensory Approach

• Research- Based

• Developmental Teaching Order

Pre-Writing

Before kindergarten, develop the skills needed for successful writing. – Hand Strength *CHOOSE THE CORRECT

SIZE WRITING DEVICE* – Body Awareness – Eye-Hand Coordination – Letter Orientation – Writing Posture

Fine Motor Strengthening Activities

• Cut anything and everything (with adult supervision of course!)

• Tongs/ Tweezers/ Clothes pins

• Play Doh

• Wikki Stix

Index finger rests on the

outside out of the way.

Middle finger in large hole. Ring and pinky

fingers tucked in to palm.

Thumb in the small hole, thumbs up

position.

Proper Scissor Position

Standard Grips

Left or Right Tripod Grasp

Left and Right Quadropod Grasp

Mat Man

Developmental Order of Teaching Uppercase and Lowercase Letters

Some Capitals Are Easier than Others:

2-3 year olds

3-4 year olds

4-6 year olds

Learning to Write- The Four Stages

1. Tracing 2. Imitation 3. Copying 4. Writing

Trace

Imitate

Copy

Write

Hand Dominance

• Hand dominance determines how you place your paper on your desk.

• Your non-dominant hand is a stabilizer and assists the dominant hand.

• You have a dominant eye and foot too!

Starting Point for Letters

• Why do we teach kids to form letters from the top to the bottom. Does it really matter?

• Why is left to right formation important?

• What about left-handed children?

Wet-Dry-Try Teacher’s Part: Demonstrate correct letter formation.

Student’s Part:

WET DRY TRY

Budget Friendly Ideas • Paint stirrers make great wood pieces

• Use the wood pieces template to make wood pieces from other materials

• Break standard size crayons in half or smaller to be the proper size for little hands

• Use a pom pom or penny to change grasp

• Teach children to use their “spacer they always bring with them,” their index finger

Remember…

• Consistent Language • Short practice sessions- no more than

15 minutes a day • Small-sized writing utensils

Resources

• www.hwtears.com/texas • www.handwritingworksheets.com • www.writeoutofthebox.com