FUNCTIONAL TASK AT SCHOOL: HANDWRITING Flashcards
It is one of the functional tasks required of a child in his or her occupation as student
Handwriting
What problem in the school setting is the most frequent referral for occupational therapists?
Handwriting
In what ways can intervention programs in Handwriting can be done?
Often delivered on site at school, either individually or in a small group using an inclusive (integrated classroom) and/or pull-out model of service delivery
What are the importance of Handwriting?
- Vital for academic success and daily life (e.g., note-taking, assignments).
- Impacts communication and participation in educational and social activities.
What is the OT’s role in addressing handwriting challenges?
- Focus on skill development and functional performance.
- Collaboration with educators and families to address handwriting challenges.
The role of Handwriting in education is present among this 2
Academic Achievement and Self-esteem
What are the role of Handwriting in Education particularly in a child’s Academic Achievement?
- Linked to reading fluency and composition skills.
- Influences test performance and classroom engagement
What are the role of Handwriting in Education particularly in a child’s Self-esteem
- Poor handwriting can lead to frustration, reduced participation, and lower confidence.
Example: A child hesitates to write due to fear of peer judgment.
What are the common handwriting Challenges?
- LETTER FORMATION (e.g., reversed letters).
- ALIGNMENT (e.g., writing off the lines).
- SPACING (e.g., words too close or far apart).
What is/are the indicators that there is a need for an OT referral?
- Poor legibility and fluency.
- Delays in handwriting developmental milestones.
What are the 2 assessment tools?
- Standardized: Evaluation Tool of Children’s Handwriting (ETCH)
- Non standardized: Classroom observations, interviews with teachers and parents
What are the Performance Skills particularly in Motor Skills that influences Handwriting?
MOTOR SKILLS: Fine motor control for precise movements.
What are the Performance Skills particularly in Process Skills that influences Handwriting?
PROCESS SKILL: Organizing and sequencing actions.
What are the Performance Skills particularly in Communication Skills that influences Handwriting?
COMMUNICATION SKILLS: Expressing thoughts effectively.
What are the client factors that could influence handwriting?
- Body structures/functions like postural control, joint stability, and visual perception.
It is the ability to move and position objects within the hand.
IN-HAND MANIPULATION SKILLS
What is the importance of In-hand Manipulation Skills?
- Directly impacts pencil control and writing efficiency.
What are the types of In-hand Manipulation Skills?
Translation, Shift, and Rotation
What type of In-hand Manipulation Skills where it involves moving coins from palm to fingers?
TRANSLATION
What type of In-hand Manipulation Skills where it involves Adjusting grip on a pencil?
SHIFT
What type of In-hand Manipulation Skills where it involves twirling a pencil to use the eraser.
ROTATION
A stable base (trunk and shoulders) is essential for controlled hand movements.
POSTURE AND STABILITY
What are the interventions for improving posture and stability?
- Activities like wall push-ups and therapy ball exercises to strengthen core and upper body.
What are the signs of a good sitting posture?
- Thoracic spine extended
- Lumber spine flat
- Head balanced on torso
- Ankle must be 90°
- Both feet must be touching the floor
What are the signs of a bad sitting posture?
- Neck flexed
- Back flexed
- Pelvis tipped back
- Head tipped back
- Knees apart
- Heels lifted
These joints need to be stable and controlled to allow for fluid and precise handwriting.
SHOULDER, ELBOW, FOREARM AND WRIST STABILITY
What joint must be stabilized first so that the rest would also stabilized?
Shoulder
What must work together to keep the scapula and shoulder in a neutral position
MUSCLES OF THE SHOULDER GIRDLE AND SCAPULA
What allows the forearm to maintain a neutral position during writing which ensure more controlled and efficient movements?
EFFICIENT GRASP PATTERN
How to have a good wrist stability?
Slightly extend writing on a vertical surface rather than a horizontal one
It is important to be stabilized as it is essential for effective handwriting and fine motor control
FINGER JOINT STABILITY
What finger joints must be ready to ensure a stable grip?
Thumb and Index finger
What are the interventions to stabilize Finger Joint?
-Squeezing stress balls
-Therapy putty (playdoh but with resistance)
-Pinching tasks
-Picking up varied objects
-Bead lacing.
What are needed to sustained writing tasks?
Hand arches and Finger strength
What are the activities to improve hand strength and endurance?
-Squeezing therapy putty
-Manipulating small beads
-Paper crumpling exercises
It is the ability to perform tasks across the body’s midline
MIDLINE CROSSING
What are the signs that children have difficulties in midline crossing?
- Switching hands during writing or avoiding cross-body actions