Comments on: Handwriting Readiness: Fine Motor Activities and Letter Work

By: Melissa Taylor

Melissa Taylor — Fri, 17 Jan 2014 17:59:07 +0000

In reply to Jennifer Fischer. thanks, Jennifer!

By: Jennifer Fischer

Jennifer Fischer — Fri, 17 Jan 2014 17:18:00 +0000

Thanks for highlighting these different techniques for encouraging handwriting skills in children. We’ve been working on this with my 4 year-old son. At first, he was a VERY reluctant writer. Now, he gets excited to write. Here’s some of the activities we did to excite and encourage him to write. http://jennifischer.blogspot.com/2013/10/simple-and-effective-early-writing.html

By: Melissa Taylor

Melissa Taylor — Tue, 15 Oct 2013 23:45:57 +0000

In reply to Desiree Fawn. ha- mine, too but at least I know if I try, I can write decently. And read cursive. That's another issue with not teaching cursive -- kids won't be able to read it.

By: Desiree Fawn

Desiree Fawn — Tue, 15 Oct 2013 15:35:00 +0000

At my daughter’s school they learn handwriting before moving onto printing, so I feel really good about knowing that won’t be a lost art in her world. I learned handwriting hardcore in school, but with the laziness of typing, it’s pretty awful now 🙂

By: Katherine Collmer

Katherine Collmer — Fri, 03 May 2013 14:48:00 +0000

Melissa, Thank you so much for this wonderful article about the importance of teaching handwriting. As an occupational therapist who specializes in the assessment and remediation of handwriting skills, I work with children and their families when the problem of handwriting becomes frustrating and a barrier to a child’s educational success. It is heartbreaking. And as much as I am thrilled and honored to be able to help them, I am just as focused upon preventing this from happening to just one more generation. Pre-handwriting practice, as well as handwriting skills practice, at home is essential. However, for some students, all of the practice in the world won’t make the frustration go away. For them, they will benefit from additional OT services. If a child does not receive them in school, that I strongly suggest that parents seek assistance outside of school. Handwriting efficiency is a positive contributor to a student’s educational progress, while handwriting deficits (diminished letter recognition, illegibility, spacing, etc.) are major contributors to a student’s inability to keep up with his peers and to have his written work graded commenserate with his knowledge. Thanks again for this post – as you can see, I am passionate about handwriting!
Katherine J. Collmer, M.Ed., OTR/L, http://www.handwritingwithkatherine.com

By: SHARON

SHARON — Sun, 31 Mar 2013 17:37:00 +0000

I understand the time constraints-I’m a retired teacher. It just seems sad not to teach cursive. Went to school in the 60’s when we went to a writing class each day! I always get compliments on my handwriting,so I guess it’s become something I feel proud of.

By: Melissa Taylor

Melissa Taylor — Fri, 29 Mar 2013 02:25:40 +0000

In reply to Becky. thank you, Becky!

By: Becky

Becky — Thu, 28 Mar 2013 09:38:00 +0000

Spot on, Melissa! Pinned and tweeted. Getting ready to share on FB as well. Handwriting and spelling are both a courtesy to the reader and when taught in that authentic way, I believe children respond better. Oh, and the amazing list of activities you’ve mentioned in your post make it fun, too!