|
The classes typically have students with neuro-typical development who excel
at most areas of school except for handwriting. Some of these students are
gifted achievers who learned handwriting at a young age, and never learned
correct sequencing or grasp. Many students excel in other subjects, but have
difficulty learning handwriting, spacing, consistency of size and form, and
writing within the lines. Often the handwriting problems extend into solving
math problems, writing sentences or paragraphs, writing neatly on worksheets,
and writing with a functional speed and legibility. Many of the students have
learning disabilities, dysgraphia (difficulty in processing the visual input to
functionally write or copy letters and numbers) or dyslexia.
Handwriting can be a frustrating experience for many of these students. The
philosophy of the clinic is to teach handwriting and remedial strategies with
multi-sensory techniques. Typically, most handwriting is learned through
visually copying letters, which is less optimal for students with visual-motor
difficulties. By learning how to write with large motor, multi-sensory
techniques, the visual system is minimized during initial learning. Cognitive
cues for letter formation are also taught. Classes at the clinic are FUN!
Students learn letter formation by writing in the air, or on a table covered
with shaving cream and paint. Zany writing topics are created by making popping
play-doh, green jell-o aliens, or fizzing paint. Grasp , writing or
speed-writing labs are set up to generalize skills. Students begin to gain
confidence, and feel good about their handwriting. Almost all students have
tremendous results and increased legibility, coordination and speed of
handwriting. The Handwriting Clinic also has
specialized programs for young children, and provides individual therapy for
students with fine motor delays, severe sensory integrative needs, or autism.
|
