1. Squiggles and Wiggles

2. Presented by: Patti Palomar, OTR/L Ann Jordan, OTR/L
Crystal Nealis, OTR/L

3. Do some of your students have difficulty sitting still in class?
Does their handwriting look like squiggles?
Have you ever wanted to use the OT strategies to help these students?

4. Sensory Processing Systems:
Tactile
Proprioceptive
Vestibular
Auditory
Visual
Olfactory
Gustatory

6. Calming/Alerting Strategies
Every student is different

7. General Suggestions for Calming
Weighted socks/lap pad
Deep touch
Movement breaks
Heavy work
Calming zone
Chewy/Crunchy foods
Breathing exercises
Seating options

8. General Suggestions for Alerting
Light touch
Swinging/Spinning
Movement breaks
Temperature change
Seating options

9. Squiggles and Fine Motor Concerns

10. As teachers teach handwriting, look at these components:
Proper sitting posture
Correct paper position
Pencil grip and position
Alternative pencils and paper
Writing surface

11. OT’s role in Handwriting
Developmental components of handwriting
Visual perception
Hand strength
Fine motor and eye-hand coordination
Motor planning
Task analysis of mechanics of handwriting
Environmental factors

12. Accommodations/alternatives for writing
Extended time
Condense assignments
Copies of notes
Keyboarding
Computer dictation software
Communication device

13. Factors for an Appropriate OT Referral

14. Squiggle and Wiggle Solutions lead down the path to success!
Thank You, Thank You, Thank You!

15. Questions, Answers, and Resources