Nurturing Hands, Inspiring Minds, Fostering Fun

Irene Hannam

 

How Decreased Pencil Control Impacts Handwriting Skills

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 […]
  • March 12, 2025
A close-up of hands writing on a paper
 

The Crucial Role of Comprehensive Occupational Therapy Evaluation

The Crucial Role of Comprehensive Occupational Therapy Evaluations for Written Language Challenges By Irene Hannam, MS OTR/L Occupational therapists (OTs) in school-based settings play a pivotal role in helping students overcome barriers to academic success and daily functioning. Among the most common challenges is difficulty with written language—particularly handwriting. Problems such as illegible letter formation, […]
  • March 11, 2025
 

Pencil Grip and Handwriting: Does It Really Matter?

Pencil Grip and Handwriting: Does It Really Matter?A Research-Based Occupational Therapy Perspective By Irene Hannam, MS OTR/L Handwriting is a vital skill that supports communication and academic success. Parents, teachers, and therapists often notice various pencil grips among children and wonder if these grips affect handwriting performance. While some insist on a “perfect” dynamic tripod […]
  • February 26, 2025
 

Capital Letters First

 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. […]
  • February 14, 2025
 

From Fists to Fluidity: A Guide to Pencil Grip Development

By Irene Hannam, MS OTR/L When children first pick up a crayon or pencil, it’s typically with a clumsy fist or a tight grasp. Over time, most naturally develop more refined grips that allow them to write and draw with greater control and less fatigue. Understanding these developmental stages—and the underlying skills children need—helps parents […]
  • February 12, 2025
A child using a computer and writing on a notebook
 

The Timeless Value of Handwriting

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 […]
  • February 10, 2025
 

When to Consult an Occupational Therapist

When to Consult an Occupational Therapist: Addressing Prewriting Challenges in Early Development By Irene Hannam, MS OTR/L Prewriting skills form the foundation of a child’s handwriting and overall academic success. These skills, which include the ability to draw lines, shapes, and other basic patterns, are essential for developing fine motor coordination, sensory regulation, visual-motor integration, […]
  • February 5, 2025
 

Motor Planning Made Simple

Motor Planning Made Simple: Recognizing and Supporting Children in the Classroom By Irene Hannam, MS OTR/L Have you ever wondered why some children struggle to tie their shoelaces, write neatly, or participate in sports while others seem to pick up these skills effortlessly? These children may have motor planning difficulties—a critical component of child development. […]
  • January 27, 2025
 

Crossing Midline

Crossing Midline – Why It Matters and How to Help Your Child Develop This Essential Skill By Irene Hannam, MS OTR/L  What is Crossing Midline? Imagine drawing an invisible line running from your head to your toes, dividing your body into left and right halves. Crossing midline happens any time you move a hand, foot, […]
  • January 27, 2025
 

When Is a Child Ready to Learn How to Write?

When Is a Child Ready to Learn How to Write?   By Irene Hannam, MS OTR/L Learning to write is a significant developmental milestone for children. From an Occupational Therapy (OT) standpoint, handwriting is more than just putting pencil to paper—it’s a complex activity involving visual processing, motor coordination, cognitive understanding, and postural control. While some […]
  • January 24, 2025
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