Empowering Handwriting Proficiency

With the explosion of technology in the classroom, it waspredicted students participating in handwriting-based activities would become obsolete. However, handwriting continues to be essential to a child's ability to participate in their school/academic environment. More than half of the preschool Common Core standards address handwriting (Tortorelli et al. 2021). It is also concerning that even neuro- typical children have shown reduced motor proficiency (Benda et al. 2021). Based on the evidence, the influence ofenvironmental factors and societal differences in how children play can influence the development of the underlying components (cognitive, sensory, motor, visual-motor, and visual perceptual skills) needed to attain proficient handwriting. Clinicians who work with children in a variety of settings are equipped to support and facilitate handwriting development and confidence. This course will provide the latest evidence-based approaches and strategies to address handwriting. Additionally, it will provide hands-on strategies toevaluate and develop interventions that can have a profound functional impact within their practice setting.

The content of this program is germane to children, students and clients 5-11 years old.

Highlights

• Impactful strategies to influence improved dexterity skills using approaches based on neuroplasticity
• Effective, evidence-based interventions to address handwriting confidence and performance

Target Audience: Occupational Therapists, Occupational Therapy Assistants