Handwriting: Best Practices Debbie Shatrowsky/Occupational Therapist

Ergonomics 90° rule- hips, knees, ankles Trunk, neck and head vertically aligned Wrist in slight extension Desktop 1” to 2” above elbow when seated Paper angled- right handed/right corner up, left handed/left corner up

Looking Out For Lefties Preventing the “hook” Left corner of paper elevated, okay for student to have an exaggerated slant Left handed writers will sometimes pull into their hand which causes them to write from right to left

Pencil Grip Developmental sequence Recognizing efficient vs. inefficient grips Writing grip page Correcting a grip

Efficient Writing Grips Dynamic Tripod Quadrupod Adapted Tripod

Inefficient Grips

Correcting Grip Twist N Write Pencil Grotto Crossover Jumbo Big Grip Handiwriter

Developmental Sequence of Prewriting Imitation-vertical, horizontal, circle Copying ~ 2yr.10mo. vertical ~ 3 horizontal and circle ~ 4 to 4 yr. 11 mo. cross, diagonals, and X ~ 5 yrs. 3 mo. triangle (Beery-Buktenica Developmental Test of Visual-Motor Integration)

Developmental Approach to Handwriting Handwriting Without Tears® L F E H I – Verticals and horizontals U C O Q G S J D P B- lines and curves R K A V M N W X Y Z- diagonals Uses a sensory motor approach

Promoting Proper Stroke, Number and Letter Formation Model sound handwriting behaviors Reading and writing follow the same basic patterns - top to bottom, left to right Orally describe the pattern when introducing and practicing letter formation (big line, little line, big curve, little curve- Handwriting Without Tears®)

Promoting Proper Formation Stress correct starting point and formation of letters i.e. large writing on chalkboard, wet-dry-try, etc. Make sure the tool size is proportional to the hand size Forget the dot-to-dot

Integrating Handwriting and Reading Programs Option 1: Separate the handwriting and reading sequence (remind students when letters and sounds have been previously taught) Option 2: Integrate the handwriting and reading sequence (when introducing letter formation also introduce the sound/s and when introducing letter sounds use direct instruction to learn letter formation) Option 3: Follow the reading sequence when introducing letter names and formation (This slide contributed by Leanne Meisinger/Learning Specialist CCPS)

Resources Amazon.com Beery-Buktenica Developmental Test of Visual- Motor Integration 6 th Ed. Educate and Celebrate ( hwtears.com Office Depot Meisinger, Leanne /Learning Specialist CCPS Therapyshoppe.com