What do you do for handwriting for kids who will not receive OT?

I teach first grade and there are 2-3 students who have handwriting 'issues' but aren't bad enough to receive OT (as per the OT therapist). What do you guys do?

Re: What do you do for handwriting for kids who will not receive OT?

I bought a handwriting book for a student in my extended day and told his mother to work on it with him. hopefully she does

Re: What do you do for handwriting for kids who will not receive OT?

I work a lot on it in extended day ... I also work in conferences and small groups in editing/revising work ---- using a red pen to mark things, and also fixing handwriting issues if it's so bad that it isn't readable.

OT helps a lot more then handwriting though ----- my OT works iwth the kids on their visual memory (for sight words), focusing issues, it's not just handwriting, cutting, glueing, etc. Maybe you can find reason for it beyond the handwriting?

Re: What do you do for handwriting for kids who will not receive OT?

you can get the pencil grips.... believe it or not the students handwriting does improve.. whether or not its a mental thing or really does help it is worth a try....

Re: What do you do for handwriting for kids who will not receive OT?

I havea several kids that have handwriting issues... i teach self-contained special ed. the OT herself has said that sometimes you can't stress over the handwriting... granted, my kids have other more important issues she needs to work on such as left-right issues, sensory integration, body space/movement, etc.

My OT always told me that as long as the handwriting is functional for the child, it's okay... so they may be printing while others are using cursive, or their speed is a little slower, as long as they get down what they need, it will come in time.

I try to do handwriting when i have time.. which as we all know is hard. i think on the first grade level, it could easily be incorporated into a center activity. I LOVE Zaner Bloser's handwriting products. Google them and their website will come up.... you can order on-line and/or request a catalog. I use a few of their workbooks and make packets for the kids to practive on. Also, for first grade, the pencil grips are good. Also, at this stage, they should be on to a regular pencil (NOT the big chunky ones) and you should be reinforcing correct grip and hold on the pencil.

Message edited 12/24/2007 9:32:27 AM.

Re: What do you do for handwriting for kids who will not receive OT?

Re: What do you do for handwriting for kids who will not receive OT?

Re: What do you do for handwriting for kids who will not receive OT?

pencil grips won't help the handwriting if it's the FORMATION of the letters that is the problem--which it usually is because we don't focus on handwriting in the younger grades like we used to.

have the parents order the handwriting without tears print edition for students and the teachers edition. it's not expensive. but do NOT let them use the paper it comes with, have them use regular paper so the transition is seamless in the classroom. they should practice a few letters each day at home. it DOES make a difference and is very self explanatory.

handwriting without tears

ps...the cursive on the other hand is AWFUL! my school uses it but i hate it and still teach the zaner-bloser way

Re: What do you do for handwriting for kids who will not receive OT?

I have a couple of kids who both have had OT and needed OT and never received it, any movement will stimulate the hand so I have them collect pencils, erase boards, wipe tables, do the lunch clips, any additional support for using their hand. Our school does handwriting for tears but there are a lot of good sheets you can get. supplement the handwriting or make it additional work. I have a good list the OT gave me on things I can work on with the kids..it's at school but FM me if you want me to find it and scan or email it to you.

Message edited 12/26/2007 3:42:09 PM.

Re: What do you do for handwriting for kids who will not receive OT?

Everyone, thank you for your ideas! I really appreciate them.

Re: What do you do for handwriting for kids who will not receive OT?

Re: What do you do for handwriting for kids who will not receive OT?

Re: What do you do for handwriting for kids who will not receive OT?

Re: What do you do for handwriting for kids who will not receive OT?

Re: What do you do for handwriting for kids who will not receive OT?