Irene Hannam

Fostering Strong Foundations: A Developmental Approach to Learning Lowercase Letter Formations By Irene Hannam, MS OTR/L Early handwriting development lays the foundation for academic success and a child’s self-confidence and overall skill acquisition. From an Occupational Therapy (OT) perspective, teaching and supporting lowercase letter formation is a complex process that involves motor skills, cognitive skills, […]

The Write Way: Why Reinstating Handwriting Instruction in Elementary Schools Is Essential By Irene Hannam, MS OTR/L Handwriting may feel like an afterthought in a world saturated by digital devices and touchscreens. Alarmingly, many schools no longer include explicit handwriting instruction—particularly in letter formation—within their curricula. This shift raises critical concerns for parents, educators, and […]

The Importance of a Multisensory Learning Approach in Teaching Letter and Number Formations By Irene Hannam, MS OTR/L Learning to form letters and numbers is a fundamental milestone in a child’s educational journey. Traditional instruction often relies on visual and auditory cues alone, but a wealth of research suggests that a multisensory approach can significantly enhance a […]

The Domino Effect: How Decreased Pencil Control Impacts Handwriting Skills Irene Hannam, MS OTR/L Handwriting is a fundamental skill significantly impacts our academic, professional, and personal lives. Yet, many underestimate how crucial pencil control is in developing clear and efficient handwriting. When fine motor skills are underdeveloped—or “pencil control” is decreased—it can set off a […]

 Capital Letters First: A Developmental Guide to Early Handwriting Success   By Irene Hannam, MS OTR/L  Teaching capital letters before lowercase letters is a common instructional practice in early childhood education. From an Occupational Therapy (OT) standpoint, this approach is supported by developmental principles, motor learning theory, and practical teaching considerations that foster successful handwriting outcomes. […]

The Timeless Value of Handwriting Instruction in Elementary SchoolsBy Irene Hannam, MS OTR/L  In an era dominated by smartphones, tablets, and computers, the idea of prioritizing handwriting instruction may seem antiquated. Many educators grapple with balancing technology integration with traditional skill-building exercises, and handwriting often falls by the wayside. However, a growing body of evidence […]