Your Therapy Source Magazine for Pediatric Therapists | Page 6
Co-Teaching Handwriting
The American Journal of Occupational Therapy
published research on a handwriting and writing program
co-taught by teachers and occupational therapists for
first-grade students. The study consisted of 4 classrooms
(n = 80) receiving the Write Start co-teaching program,
and four (n = 58) receiving regular handwriting and
writing instruction. The co-teaching consisted of 2
teachers and 1 occupational therapist for 24-sessions.
The sessions included station teaching and individualized
supports with a focus on practice in small groups. The
coteaching team provided students with frequent
feedback, encouraged self-evaluation, and facilitated
peer modeling and peer evaluation.
The results showed the following:
1. students who participated in the Write Start co-teaching program improved more in
handwriting legibility and speed than the group receiving standard instruction.
2. writing fluency and written composition were no different between groups at posttest.
3. although writing fluency was significantly higher for Write Start students at 6-mo follow-up.
4. the students who participated in the Write Start co-teaching program who had low legibility
at baseline made significant improvements.
Reference: Case-Smith, J et al. Effects of a Classroom-Embedded Occupational
Therapist–Teacher Handwriting Program for First-Grade Students. Am J Occup Ther. 2014
Nov-Dec; 68(6): 690–698. Published online Nov-Dec 2014. doi: 10.5014/ajot.2014.011585
Handwriting Stations includes the materials to create a handwriting
station on a tri-fold or in a folder. The station includes proper letter
formation for capital and lower case letters, correct posture, pencil
grip, warm up exercises, letter reversals tips and self check sheet.
In addition, there are 27 worksheets for the alphabet and number
practice (Handwriting with Tears® style and Zaner-Bloser® style).
This download is great for classroom use, therapy sessions or to
send home with a student.
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