AOTA-Handwriting Flashcards
10-12 mo.
Prewriting development
Scribbles on paper
2 yrs
Prewriting development
Imitates horizontal, vertical, and circular marks
3 yrs
Prewriting development
Copies a vertical line, horizontal line, and circle.
4-5 yrs
Prewriting development
Copies a cross, right oblique line, square, left diagonal line, left oblique cross, some letters and numbers; possibly can print own name.
5-6 yrs
Prewriting development
Copies a triangle, prints own name, copies most letters.
Analysis of handwriting performance include:
Handwriting evaluation
- work samples
- file review
- direct observations
Direct observations of handwriting should include:
Analysis of performance
- difficulties with writing task (FM+Behavior) + how it effects learning
- Level of assist or cueing to complete
- distractions (visual/auditory)
- location of teacher + child’s seat in class
- handwriting curriculum used
Children’s Handwriting Evaluation Scale (CHES)
Diagnostic test for cursive writing in grades 3-8; testing for suspected learning disabilities
An assessment scale that measures both copying rate and quality of handwriting
Reliable
Assessment for handwriting
Denver Handwriting Analysis (DHA)
A cursive handwriting scale designed for evaluating the writing of students in grades 3-8.
Each task has a time limit per grade:
1. near-point/far-point copying
2. writing the alphabet from memory
4. manuscript-cursive transition
5. dictation
Criterion referenced tool
Assessment for handwriting
Minnesota Handwriting Assessment
Purpose is to identify students whose manuscripts handwriting indicates NEED FOR FURTHER EVALUATION
Norm referenced; clinician-adminst. (2 mins); near-pt copying assessment for children 6-8 yrs (used from january of 1st -2nd grade
Scores in rate, legibility, form, alignment, size, spacing
Assessment for handwriting
Beery VMI
Assesses visual and motor abilities for individuals age 2-99
Assessment for handwriting/VMI
Evaluation Tool of Children’s Handwriting (ETCH)
A criterion-referenced tool designed to evaluate manuscript and cursive handwriting skills of children in Grades 1 through 6. (15-20 mins)
Results allow for easy doc., intervention planning, integrate IEP goals/obj., and a language to share
Tasks include alphabet and numerical writing, near-point and far-point copying, dictation, and sentence generation. It assesses legibility components, pencil grasp, hand preference, pencil pressure, manipulative skills with the writing tool, and classroom observations.
Assessment for handwriting
Test of Handwriting Skills, Revised
A norm-referenced test that examines both manuscript and cursive writing through dictation, near-point copying, and alphabet writing from memory. Normative data is provided for children 5-11 years old.
Assessment for handwriting
Print Tool
A handwriting assessment by Handwriting Without Tears to assess handwriting (memory, orientation, placement, size, start, sequence, control and space are the skills evaluated); for ages 6-8
Factors that restrict handwriting performance
- Performance skills
- Client factors
- Performance patterns
- Contextual elements
Assessment for Handwriting
Handwriting Intervention approaches
- Neurodevelopment
- Acquistional
- Sensorimotor
- Biomechanical
- Psychosocial
Neurodevelopmental approach
Intervention for Handwriting
- Ideal for child with poor postural control/automatic reactions and limited limb control.
- Preparation activities for posture and UE such as activities that modulate muscle tone, promote joint stability, improve hand function.
Intervention for Handwriting
Acquisitonal approach
Intervention for Handwriting
Handwriting should be direct, 1-on-1, individualized, and adjusted on bases of eval/perform. data.; overlearned and used in a functional way.
Intervention for Handwriting
What are the different phases of handwriting acquisition?
- Cognitive: begins to understand demands and dev. a cognitive strategy for necessary motor movements.
- Associative: Continues practice, self-monitor; proprio. feedback and visual cues are essential at this phase.
- Autonomous: The child can perform handwriting with min. conscious attention. [MASTERY]
Intervention for Handwriting
Sensorimotor approach
Intervention for Handwriting
- Enhance integration of sensory system (multi sensory)
- Various sensory experiences, media, and novel instructional materials incorporated
- Multiple writing tools, surfaces, and positions for writing should be offered
Intervention for Handwriting
Biomechanical
Intervention for Handwriting
Focuses on ergonomic factors that influence writing.
Intervention for Handwriting
What is the optimal sitting posture for handwriting?
- seated with feet on the floor (provides support for weight shifting and postural adjustments)
- Table surface should be 2” able flex elbow (allows for motor synergy/symmetry)
Handwriting [ergonomic factors]
How should the paper be positioned when writing?
- paper should be slanted on desktop (parallel to the resting forearm)
- Left-handed students with a supination grip should slant papers to the left.
Handwriting [ergonomic factors]
Name some adaptive equipment to aid functional pencil grip
- pencil grips
- triangular grips
- modlable grips
- wider-barreled pencils
- rubber-band slings
Handwriting [ergonomic factors]
A mature grip should be encouraged in young children; as early as ________ , changing a child’s pencil grip may be stressful.
a] kindergarden
b] 1st grade
c] 2nd grade
d] 3rd grade
c] 2nd grade
Handwriting
Psychosocial approach
Intervention for Handwriting
- focuses on improving self-control, coping skills, and social behavoirs
- emphasize on importance of good handwriting
- provides opportunities to enhance self-confidence
Intervention for Handwriting
