Printing Programs
We understand that for some children, printing practice only leads to frustration, not perfection. The goal of our printing programs is to emphasize success for each child in order to build a sense of confidence when writing. Emphasis is placed on the component skills that are required for proficient writing, including pencil grasp, fine motor skills, visual motor skills, spatial skills, and motor planning. These skills are worked on using a multi-sensory approach and through activities that are both fun and rewarding. For older children, we offer help organizing thoughts into written expression, as well as support with the mechanics of sentence and paragraph structure. We offer printing programs both individually and in small groups, depending on the needs of the child.
Introduction to Upper Case Letters
This program is for children who have acquired the ability to draw simple shapes such as vertical, horizontal and diagonal lines and circles. Printing skills are introduced by teaching upper case letters, which have only straight lines or curves. Upper case letters are easier to learn because they are large, all the same height, and distinct from one another. This program focuses on letter formation, pencil control, and fine motor skills. Each session will address one of the following letters: L F E H T I O D P
*This program is offered both in 1:1 sessions and in small groups.
Upper Case Letters
This program teaches the formation of all 26 upper case letters using the "Handwriting Without Tears" program developed by Jan Olsen, Occupational Therapist. Learning to print upper case letters helps children develop basic printing skills such as pencil grasp, line control and shape recognition. Areas of focus include letter formation, pencil control and fine motor skills.
*This program is offered both in 1:1 sessions and in small groups.
Lower Case Letters
This program is for children who have acquired the ability to print upper case letters. Children are taught to print using a series of consistent "rules" which reinforce proper letter formation (for example, always starting from the top). Areas of focus include letter formation, letter placement, printing on the line, pencil control, and fine motor skills.
*This program is offered both in 1:1 sessions and in small groups.
Words and Sentences
Words and Sentences
This program makes the transition from learning how to print single letters to copying words and sentences while maintaining proper letter formation, line control and spacing between words. Areas of focus include letter formation, visual-motor skills, visual perceptual skills and fine motor skills.
*This program is offered both in 1:1 sessions and in small groups.
Writing Skills Strategies
Written expression involves fine motor coordination, attention, language, memory and high-order thinking skills. As children age, they may experience difficulties expressing their thoughts on paper in a cohesive manner. Learning how to brainstorm, sequence and categorize information supports the development and expansion of ideas. This program will assist children in developing simple and effective organizational skills and strategies to facilitate the writing process.
* This program is only offered in 1:1 sessions
Cursive Writing
This program teaches handwriting using the "Loops and Other Groups" program developed by Mary Benbow, Occupational Therapist. "Loops and Other Groups" uses a kinesthetic approach to teach handwriting, which allows children to learn letter formation at an automatic level. Kinesthesia is the use of physical movement as a method of learning and memorizing letters. Areas of focus include letter formation, visual-motor skills, visual perceptual skills, and fine motor skills.
*This program is offered both in 1:1 sessions and in small groups.
Keyboarding
Keyboarding
Many students with handwriting difficulties and weak fine motor skills also find learning how to type difficult. It is a task that requires finger dexterity, coordination and memory skills. Many children are provided with access to computers at school secondary to difficulties with printing. Learning to keyboard prior to engaging children in writing assignments on the computer will minimize any frustrations. Keyboard training is often an excellent adjunct to a printing and/or cursive writing program.
*This program is only offered in 1:1 sessions.