Many children struggle with printing. Learning to print, printing speed and keeping it legible can all be frustrating. In an academic world where children demonstrate their knowledge through what they put on paper, academic challenges can result from problems with poor handwriting (Case-Smith, 2002).
Writing is not a simple task. It requires a solid foundation of motor skills including core strength, shoulder stability, an efficient grasp, in-hand manipulation skills, the ability to use two hands together, as well as the development of visual perceptual skills, to name a few. The trick is finding the “just right challenge”; that is figuring out where the child is at with their abilities, and then bumping the challenge bit by bit.
These foundations are soon followed by the development of the pre-printing strokes: “| __ O + / q \ X /\ ”. These strokes typically develop in this order, with all typically developed by 5 years, 3 months of age. When a child can do all of these they are ready for printing. An awareness of this development is important when finding that just right challenge. For example, if a child is having difficulty with a diagonal stroke, then how are they going to make an “A`` . Motorically speaking when a child is ready, since vertical and horizontal strokes are easiest, consider grouping the letters you teach in the alphabet based on the development of these strokes, rather than starting with the letter “A” and progressing in order. In addition grouping letters by how they are formed can help, for example ``E,F,L``
When all of those pieces have come together and a child is interested and motivated, then it is time to print with success!
There are many programs out there to teach writing. Ultimately it is important to look at the characteristics of these programs to find one that will meet the needs of your child. Look for one that matches development, start with tracing. Once they are successful tracing, move on to imitating (You do it, then they do it). Next is copying (they draw it from an example on the page) and finally they can do it independently.
The newest research is identifying that use of a cognitive approach impacts printing most, and is best when combined with motor learning. These key characteristics should be integrated in any program. Therefore, use the multisensory approach for fun and motivation; but focus on the cognitive approach with pencil practice in randomly and frequent sessions throughout the week for best results. To use a cognitive approach focus on the following three components: using visuals, self- talk (talking through how you are forming the letter) and self-evaluation.
31-60% of a child`s day is spent performing handwriting and fine motor tasks (Feder et al. 2008). Use these strategies to help your child become a power printer! An Occupational Therapist can assist you to determine why and how to best support your child if they are struggling www.bcsot.org. Also check out Printing Pals a local program at Brennan Park this October!
Article by Chandra Kipfer, Occupational Therapist and owner of Mantra Living Inc., Pediatric Occupational Therapy Services. 04/03/2011 www.mantraliving.ca info@mantraliving.ca
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