handwriting without tears - region 13 | positively affecting the
TRANSCRIPT
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