Fine Motor Writing supports
Many general education kids struggle with the fine motor skills necessary to produce legible efficient writing. Typically close to 30% of kids in each classroom have a non standard pencil grasp, with at least 2-4 kids per class that utilize an inefficient non-standard grasp. Grasp patterns are still trainable in Kindergarten through second grade. After that, the motor pattern is so ingrained that it becomes more and more difficult to modify anymore. Direct instruction and equipment to facilitate relearning/learning correct motor patterns for legible writing could help struggling writers. Pencil grips help train and support motor development of a correct grasp pattern while writing. A slant board promotes correct arm and wrist position to facilitate correct motor planning patterns for legible writing.
· Occupational therapists (OTs) will store and dispense equipment on an as needed basis. · OTs will check in with individual teachers to trial pencil grips and/or slant boards to determine whether there is improved writing organization and positioning in students using the equipment.· Equipment will be collected by OT when not used anymore to redistribute for the next student.
- Immediate improved functional pencil grasp
- Improved writing legibility
- Improved writing efficiency and endurance
- Generalization to spontaneous correct pencil grasp
The district-wide occupational therapists are often asked to support teachers in helping general education kids in supporting correct pencil grasp, writing production, and writing legibility. Depending on the individual situation, OT provides modified pencils, pencil grips, slant boards and modified paper. The most commonly given writing equipment are pencil grips. OT has a few of these items to loan out but not enough to meet demand from general education teachers and students.
- OTs particpates in special educations support staff PLCs where we collaborate as a team how to best provide supports to the teachers and students at our schools.
