Stepping Stones to Successful Writing

Published: April 24, 2015, 3:46 p.m.

b'Does your child gets answers marked wrong because the teacher can\'t read his writing?
Does your child receive low grades in handwriting when you know she is capable of performing better?
Is there arguing and/or tears over simple handwriting assignments at your home that your child feels are just too difficult to complete?

If you answered "yes" to any of the above questions, listen to Chris Chambers, MEd, OTR/L, of Abilities First. During her podcast, she will share some fun activities to strengthen fine motor skills for writing.

First, listeners will learn the foundational skills necessary for writing which include posture, arm strength, grip, visual skills, attention and self regulation. For each skill, Chambers will provide three to five activities that a child can practice at home to build and strengthen that specific skill. Activities for toddlers, preschoolers and school aged children will be addressed.

These are some of the writing problems these exercises will help correct:
Pushes too hard (breaks crayons/pencils)
Presses too lightly/grips too lightly
Doesn\'t write on the line (vertical deviations)
Too much spacing or no spacing between letters/words (horizontal deviations)
Problems forming shapes and letters
Letter reversals
Fatigue
Attention/frustration
By practicing these recommended techniques, your child will develop the necessary fine motor skills to more successfully finish this school year and better be able to handle handwriting assignments in the fall.'