


What can an occupational therapist do?

  • Measure the level of physical strength and endurance.
  • Analyze fine motor control, such as the ability to hold a writing utensil.
  • Help develop and evaluate handwriting curriculums and collaborate with teachers on effective strategies.
  • Suggest home activities that promote the development of skills needed in good handwriting.

What can parents and families do?

  • Encourage children to participate in sports and games that could improve visual, motor, and coordination skills, such as playing ball, jacks, marbles, and outdoor sports.
  • Require children and teens to use silverware when eating to develop hand grip.
  • Provide an activity that exercises the hands, such as cutting pie dough or pizza and using cookie cutters.
  • Encourage writing handwritten letters to grandparents and friends.

Need more information?

A child's inability to master good handwriting skills could indicate a more serious problem such as developmental or learning disabilities. If you would like to consult an occupational therapist about your child's handwriting, talk to your child's teacher about whether a referral to occupational therapy is appropriate. Your physician, other health professionals, and your school district's director of special education may also be able to help.

Occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants are trained in helping children with a broad range of issues in addition to the development of handwriting skills, such as proper computer use, proper backpack use and behavioral problems.
