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We are diving into one of the most frequently asked topics in homeschooling—handwriting. In this episode, we'll explore the many elements that contribute to effective handwriting, from visual skills to core stability, fine motor control, and cognitive functions. We've discussed some of these topics in past episodes, including vision and primitive reflexes, but today we'll connect all the dots to give you a comprehensive understanding of what impacts handwriting. Plus, stick around for practical tips and strategies to help your kids build better handwriting skills. If you're a parent or educator looking to help children express their thoughts clearly on paper, you won't want to miss this episode!

In this episode you'll hear about:

• Handwriting as a common, observable issue in homeschooling
• Frequently asked questions about handwriting
• Importance of Handwriting
• Observability of handwriting issues
• A comprehensive perspective on handwriting components
• Components of Handwriting
  • Visual Skills: Acuity and more
  • Stability and Posture: Core strength and body posture
  • Fine Motor Skills: Grip and motor control
  • Cognitive Skills: Understanding the purpose of writing
  • Executive Functioning Skills: Attention, organization, self-control, working memory
• Proximal stability for distal mobility
• Core strength activities (e.g., tummy time, crawling)
• Activities for older children (e.g., scooter boards, balance boards, playground games)
• Writing on vertical surfaces to improve core stability
• Posture guidelines (90-90-90 rule)
• Importance of grip patterns
• Tools to encourage proper grip (e.g., small pencils, broken crayons)
• Activities to enhance fine motor skills (e.g., tweezers, play doh, kitchen activities)
• Hardware Skills: Eye muscle control and focus (tracking, fixation, convergence)
• Signs of visual issues (e.g., tired eyes, double vision, trouble with line orientation)
• Home Activities: I spy games, hidden pictures, outdoor play
• Adaptations for Visual Support: Paper placement, cursive writing, using pens instead of pencils
• Understanding visual perception (figure ground, form constancy, visual memory)
• Activities to Support Visual Perception:
• Importance of understanding writing's purpose
• Components of executive functioning (attention, organization, etc.)

Links and Resources From Today's Show

• Watch this episode with slides
• Why Should I Seek Occupational Therapy?
• Primitive Reflex Guide from Homeschool OT
• Handwriting Focus Group
• Beyond 20/20 Vision: Understanding Crucial Aspects of Visual Assessment in Children
• Harnessing the Great Outdoors for Visual Development and Learning
• How Form Drawing Supports Vision, Handwriting, and Academics
• Beyond the Pencil: Exploring Vision's Impact on Homeschool Handwriting Success
• Tailored Kids' Activities from Crafts to Sleep: Insights from Connie O'Neill
• Exploring Primitive Reflexes: From Birth to Integration
• Supporting Children Through Play-Based Reflex Integration
• Practical Sleep Solutions for Children: Insights from Occupational Therapy
• How to Improve Handwriting Without Writing
• The Skills Nature Builds

Connect with Sarah Collins

• Follow Sarah on Instagram @homeschoolOT
• Join the Facebook Group: Homeschool and Occupational Therapy with Sarah Collins, homeschoolOT
• Visit the Homeschool OT Website