When one normally refers to handwriting, often times the standard pencil and paper, traditional method is what\u2019s thought of first. Memories of writing assignments performed usually within the confines of a desk come flooding to the forefronts of our minds. What if I told you that handwriting no longer has to be a rigid and conventional idea? The sole purpose of this blog is to broaden your horizons to the world of handwriting through a multisensory approach. Don\u2019t worry. The word \u201cmultisensory\u201d isn\u2019t as intimidating as it looks. \ud83d\ude42<\/p>\n
For starters, the approach we take at Therapy at Play<\/strong> while engaging in certain activities can have a huge impact on our over all experience. Handwriting can be a very intimidating and challenging task for some children. There are several foundational skills that go into handwriting, such as visual perceptual skills, fine motor coordination, hand strength, proximal stability and strength, sensory integration, and the list goes on and on. Each child must be addressed individually in order for him\/her to be successful. There is no \u201cone size fits all\u201d approach to child development. Clinicians, parents, guardians, etc. who spend a majority of their time modifying environments for a child\u2019s success, are responsible for discovering those unique needs to ensure that he\/she wont fall through the cracks.<\/p>\n The neat thing about an multisensory approach to handwriting is that it not only takes the rigor and pressure out of the conventional approach to handwriting, but it also allows for increased sensory involvement that assists in making our day-to-day experiences enjoyable. A Multisensory approach decreases the intimidation attached to handwriting, especially if the task is already difficult. Motivation for participation is the first key to success. Often times fears or reminders of inadequacies while engaging in handwriting activities, deter children from wanting to participate in the first place; let alone improve their abilities all together. When provided with fun, sensory engaging, and different alternatives that still target the foundational keys to handwriting, kids are more inclined to participate out of sheer curiosity and novelty of the approach. Once we have spurred the curiosity of a child, we\u2019re off to the races now!!<\/p>\n I know what you\u2019re thinking. A multisensory approach sounds cool, but what exactly does that mean? Essentially a multisensory approach to handwriting provides children with a heightened sensory experience through the use of various mediums\/stimulus (water, shaving cream, gels, vertical surfaces, etc.) while still targeting foundational skills necessary to engage in handwriting tasks. Now that we have the overview out of the way, lets look into some examples of multisensory approaches that could really aide in the success of your child\u2019s handwriting skills:<\/p>\n I hope that this blog paints a clearer picture of the power of utilizing a multisensory approach to handwriting. Handwriting doesn\u2019t have to be rigorous and stressful! I guarantee after utilizing this approach with your child, he\/she will have a newfound excitement for handwriting!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" When one normally refers to handwriting, often times the standard pencil and paper, traditional method is what\u2019s thought of first. Memories of writing assignments performed usually within the confines of a desk come flooding to the forefronts of our minds. What if I told you that handwriting no longer has to be a rigid and […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":408,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[5],"tags":[],"yoast_head":"\n\n