Written Language

Written Language is a complex process of managing the ability to write by coordinating the eyes, arms, hands, pencil grip, letter formation, and body posture. In occupational therapy, when there is a motor or perceptual deficit, we work on the following skills to help support written language.

Line Awareness Spacing between letters and words Letter size

Line Awareness-Adding bold or highlighted lines to writing paper or worksheets is a quick way to help kids focus on where to place letters improving their line awareness when writing. You can also color code the lines. Use green (grass) for the bottom line and blue (sky) for the top line.

Word Spacing- A space needs to be left between words. Practice leaving spaces by placing the left index finger at the end of the last word then starting the next word on the other side of the finger (this is difficult for a left-handers to do). Use a craft stick, paper clip or other item as a spacer between words.

Use the “Spaghetti and Meatball” spacing strategy. It is the perfect way to teach both spacing in between letter and spacing between words. Left-handers can use a dash after each word as a spacing strategy.

Letter Size- In the early phases of writing, children may write very large. Have your child practice writing on narrow strips of paper to adjust their letter size. Use paper with colored zones or a highlighter mark and ask your child to write within the colored area. Write words/sentences on graph paper. Draw boxes for each word.

Fun writing activities you can do at home:

• Make a grocery list

• Make a daily To-Do list

• Write out the steps to do something (Like making a sandwich)

• Draw pictures and write a sentence for your picture

• Write a letter to friend, family member, or famous person

• Write about your favorite holiday

• Keep a daily journal

• Write a thank you note to someone

• Make a list of your favorite foods

• Write about your favorite animal

• Make a Summer-Fun to-do list.

Website Links:

http://therapystreetforkids.com/Handwriting.htm

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