Imagine for a moment that when you write on a piece of paper the letters on the paper do not look like the image in your head. Every time you write you feel totally confused and frustrated. This is a typical event for a school aged child with handwriting struggles. Now think about all of the things you couldn’t do if this was your handwriting experience.
When Max entered Preschool at age 4 he loved having books read to him and showed great interest in reading and writing. Activities that used his gross motor skills were difficult like catching a ball, balancing, and running so he had developed a passion for reading. During his first year of preschool his teacher introduced letter formation. This is when it became obvious that Max was struggling with handwriting and he began to avoid writing activities while his interest in reading changed.
Max was lucky, his teacher began using the CEW© handwriting program that helped to address his underlying challenges like coordination, posture, fine motor control, sensory processing, while teaching him letter formation using music and movement. He was engaged and having fun!
Handwriting challenges in children are often not confronted early enough or in a way where the child can enjoy handwriting as a base skill instead of an obstacle. A child’s handwriting difficulty has no reflection upon their intelligence, but can deeply impact performance and self-esteem in school. This results in a low performing student. “These kids simply require a little more attention with handwriting in a way that’s framed differently so they can continue to grow as confident students”, says Michele Parkins Occupational Therapist and co-creator of CEW© program, which will be offered at STAR Center in July.
Childhood handwriting challenges lead to:
A decline in performance in all areas of school
A negative impact on child’s well-being
A loss in concentration and motivation
A bad attitude towards school
Often, overcoming handwriting problems is not just a matter of practice. The material needs to be presented in a new way that addresses the unique style in which the child processes information. Preparing children in a fun way for writing will lead to improvements in cognition, motor skills, and reading comprehension.
5 Signs Your Child May Need Handwriting Support
Avoids tasks inlvolving writing
Takes longer than others to complete work
Wiggles and moves whole body while writing
Shares ideas through speaking versus writing. Written work does not represent the child’s capability.
Repeats “scripts” about how to make the letter such as, “start at the top, move to the bottom, loop around…”
STAR Center announces new Handwriting Boost Camp in Denver, CO using the CEW© program.
Handwriting Boot Camp
July 27 – August 7
Age: Kindergarten – Elementary school
After 10 weeks in the handwriting CEW© program, Max’s mother shares, “We have seen incredible improvements with Max since starting your program. His letters are written so much clearer and more accurately with increased understanding for the sounds that the letters make. He has started to sound out words and begun to read.” Go here for more information: http://spdstar.org/
STAR Center, a Colorado 501(c)(3), is the premier treatment center for children and families living with Sensory Processing Disorder, feeding disorders, and other sensory issues associated with other conditions such as ADHD, autism, and a wide variety of additional developmental disorders. Mile High Mamas has partnered with Star Center on this promotion. www.spdstar.org | 303.221.7827
Author: Mile High Mamas
