At Write Expectations, we recognize written language's vital role in a child's education. We focus on the foundational level and the intervention of handwriting skills.
From note-taking and crafting essays to tackling quizzes and engaging in project work, writing is integral to a student's school day. However, when children face challenges with grade-level writing tasks, it can significantly impact their academic progress, independence, and self-confidence.
Difficulties in expressing ideas on paper or producing legible work can lead to a reluctance to complete assignments. As a result, their grades might not truly reflect their understanding of the subject matter. This is where our specialized occupational therapy services come in.
We strive to empower students on their educational journey, helping them to overcome obstacles related to written language. By offering targeted support, we aim to enable students to fully access and excel in their school-related activities, ensuring that their true potential is both recognized and nurtured.
At Write Expectations, LLC, our mission is to empower and support each student's journey towards effective handwriting and communication skills. Rooted in our motto, 'Nurturing Hands, Inspiring Minds, Fostering Fun,' we are dedicated to creating a stimulating and supportive environment where learning and growth are intertwined with enjoyment. We recognize the uniqueness of each student and are committed to unlocking their individual potential through a variety of engaging skill-building activities.
Our focus begins at the foundational level, nurturing prewriting, fine motor, visual motor, and visual perceptual skills in young learners. This comprehensive approach ensures a solid groundwork for students to build strong handwriting abilities. Understanding that challenges in these areas can significantly impact a child's academic and personal development, we offer specialized interventions for students facing difficulties, including those with dysgraphia.
Through personalized attention, innovative techniques, and a passion for teaching, we strive to guide our students toward achieving proficiency in handwriting and lasting confidence in their abilities to express themselves. At Write Expectations, we are more than just an occupational therapy service; we are a partner in your child's educational and personal growth journey, fostering skills that extend beyond the classroom and into every aspect of life.
"Nurturing Hands, Inspiring Minds, and Fostering Fun"
The evaluation process includes:
Occupational Sessions are:
Activities will guide the development of fine motor precision and in-hand manipulation skills in preparation for utensil use and handwriting skills.
These skills include:
Certified Handwriting Without Tears® Specialist
Write Expectations offers cursive writing instruction to learn how to read and write in cursive, to support motor planning and fine motor development, and may be used to support language-based remediation programs. We use a Handwriting Without Tears®-based curriculum. Students learn cursive letter formations, and develop the necessary patterns of pencil strokes, letter connections, and rhythm/fluidity. In addition, basic handwriting skills such as letter placement, word spacing, and letter control will be addressed with students that are ready to write sentences.
Cursive writing may be considered "a lost art," as most schools have eliminated their cursive writing curriculum. As Suzanne Baruch Asherson wrote in the NY Times article ((2013), "Learning to write in cursive is shown to improve brain development in the areas of thinking, language and working memory. Cursive handwriting stimulates brain synapses and synchronicity between the left and right hemispheres, something absent from printing and typing."
We were advised to work with Renee for Amy son's pencil grab and his lack of writing stamina by his school teacher at age 6. After her sessions, we started to see a significant change in his writing in a short period of time. We continued to work with Renee during the pandemic virtually. Despite all of its challenges, she kept Atlas always engaged with special drawings and writing about interesting facts about the drawings. She has been very patient, creative, and motivating. His stamina increased and now his writing and pencil grab are just beautiful. He is always proud of his work and writing became one of his favorite school activities. We cannot thank Renee enough for all these and for the progress. -FM
My child was referred to Renee by my son's first grade teachers, and has been able to work with her on his fine motor skills and handwriting both in person, and for the past year, in a virtual format. I have noted tremendous strides in his writing skills, and have also been able to observe his sessions with her when we switched to virtual lessons. Renee was creative and nimble in finding a session format that translated well to virtual learning, and because of her ability to adapt, my child has been able to stay on track with his progress this year. Renee is remarkably patient and generous with her time, allowing my child to work at his own pace, and has gotten to know him and his interests so well. These points of connection have helped inspire my child to not only practice his writing, but to continue learning about the topics he finds interesting. Renee’s warm enthusiasm, kindness, flexibility, and adaptability have made her a much-appreciated presence in our weekly routine. Perhaps the greatest endorsement I can share is that my preschooler wishes that he, too, could have handwriting classes with Renee! - KZ
When I was first told that my son, whom at the time was in K would benefit from support in OT to build his fine motor skills, and work on potential sensory processing challenges to improve his learning, and stamina throughout the day, it was overwhelming at first and I had numerous questions on what this would look like, but also how my son would respond. But it was the BEST decision I have ever made and the support that Renee has provided my son is something that has been beyond remarkable and eye-opening as a parent. My son's confidence as a learner has grown tremendously thanks to Renee's support and strategies with him. What started out as a K receiving help for his weak fine motor skills and stamina, has turned into my son craving time with Miss Renee to draw the next picture she magically creates for him (per his asking) and writing at a 3rd grade level. I owe Renee the credit for implementing my son's love of drawing and writing, which is now his favorite class at school.
I cannot even express how appreciative, and grateful I have been for Renee's support, guidance, patience, and professionalism throughout our son's education journey since he started at age 5 with her. She is an expert at her craft and she will always hold a special place in my heart and my son's for the support she has provided me as a parent. I highly recommend Write Expectations, it's the best of the best. -SB
Irene Hannam is the owner and creator of Write Expectations. Irene received her bachelor’s degree from the University of Delaware and her Master of Occupational Therapy degree from Shenandoah University. She has worked in various occupational therapy settings, transitioning to the private and public school setting full time in 2001.
Irene has treated children with a variety of diagnoses (i.e., ASD, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, dysgraphia, developmental delay, ADHD). She is a Certified Handwriting Without Tears Specialist, Certified Autism Spectrum Disorder Clinical Specialist, and Certified Primitive Reflex Clinical Specialist. Irene works with students of all ages, facilitating prewriting and written language skills. Irene is currently a member of the American Occupational Therapy Association and National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy.
Through her variety of experiences, Irene understands the importance of collaboration with parent, teacher, student, as well as other service providers to establish and facilitate student success in the classroom setting. Being a mother of three children, Irene understands the importance of helping students reach their full potential for learning and achieve their individual academic success.
Please contact us directly with any questions, comments, or scheduling inquiries you may have.
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