Many parents worry that introducing typing means giving up on handwriting. It’s an understandable concern. Handwriting is an important skill that children use every day at school, and many parents want to ensure their child develops strong handwriting abilities. However, from an occupational therapy perspective, typing isn’t about replacing handwriting. Instead, it can be a […]
READ MORE7 Fun ways to support handwriting practice at home
Handwriting is a crucial skill, however for some children, handwriting or literacy tasks are difficult and discouraging, which often leads to poor engagement in homework and handwriting practice at home. This blog will explore some unique ways in which you can support handwriting practice through tasks that are fun, engaging and motivating. 1. Make it […]
READ MOREAlternative Methods for Written Communication: A Guide to Developing Typing Skills
Handwriting plays a significant part in many of the academic, work and leisure tasks people engage in during childhood and into adulthood. However, there are many reasons why children may require additional support to build handwriting skills such difficulties with motor skills, visual perception skills, or even speech and language delays. When a child is […]
READ MOREDeveloping Pre-Writing Skills
What are pre-writing skills? Well, in essence they are the fundamental skills children require to develop before they can execute the functional task of writing. Some of these skills include pencil grasp, copying, drawing, colouring and writing itself. Pre-writing skills are important in child development as they assist in the ability to hold and move […]
READ MOREWritten Expression – How Occupational Therapists Help
Writing is a powerful tool for learning and is an essential lifelong skill. Children use writing within the school environment to help them understand new information, express themselves, and communicate their knowledge and understanding of desired topics. It’s one thing to verbalise a fantastic creative story, but it’s another to produce your thoughts and ideas […]
READ MOREHow to find the perfect pencil grip fit?
Ahh, the pencil grip. So many different types and sizes. We’ve all asked the questions – “What is the perfect grip for my child?” or “Is my child’s pencil grasp ok?” or “Why does my child need this gadget that will most likely be thrown at me or their siblings?” Let’s first understand the importance […]
READ MORETop Online Typing Programmes to Help Your Child Learn to Type
Learning to type is a skill children increasingly need in our tech-reliant world. So learning to type — and learning it correctly! — is important to help set your child up for their future. The use of technology is constantly increasing for children, especially in the school environment. Typing is an important skill to […]
READ MOREImproving Your Child’s Letter Formations
It’s such an exciting moment when you can see your little one first starting to write their name for the first time! And to see all their (and your) hard work starting to come together is a wonderful feeling. But even though they are reaching a new milestone, for lots of kids, their letter formations […]
READ MOREKey tips to improve children’s pencil grips
Learning how to hold a pencil correctly might seem simple – but for many children, developing an effective pencil grip can be surprisingly tricky. Without strong fine motor foundations, poor grip habits can affect handwriting, schoolwork, and even a child’s confidence. Targeted activities and some simple strategies can help children to strengthen their pencil skills, […]
READ MOREHSC Special Provisions: How does it work?
If your child is in year 11 or 12 this year, chances are you may have heard the words “Special Provisions” floating around. But what does this mean for your child? Is it something you should be applying for? Who should you talk to for more information? As a therapist working in a boy’s high […]
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