"The truth is that mastering handwriting sets children up for other learning successes. Handwriting builds confidence, teaches children to have an organized approach and enhances their ability to communicate." - Jan Olsen (OTR and Founder of Handwriting Without Tears®), Curious Parents, February 2007

Every day, we use handwriting.  It is a form of written communication to express our ideas and thoughts.  Handwriting is very important in all of our lives.  Like spelling, grammar, and phonics, handwriting is a support skill that helps build a strong foundation for student success.  Many students are going through the school system with handwriting that is very difficult to read.  With all the concentration in the schools to prepare for the state tests, sometimes there is limited time available to work on improving handwriting.

However, if the test examiners are unable to read your child’s writing on the test, their test scores may be lower.  If the teacher is unable to read the students writing, their work will be marked wrong. This can lead to decreased self esteem and stress for your child.  Although many students have access to computers, there are many occasions when handwriting is required.  Until budgets allow a computer on every desk, handwriting will continue to be the principle means of communication at school.

Handwriting is also important in adulthood.  Even in this digital age, as an adult, you may need to use your best handwriting to fill out an application and to write your signature.  Did you know that it is estimated that in any given year, approximately 7,000 people may die because a pharmacist couldn’t read a prescription? While prescription pads may likely become electronic in the future, there will always be professions that rely on hastily jotted notes. Not all of these jobs will go completely electronic in the very near future. Consider construction sites: not practical places for most electronic devices. But if you are around a building site you’ll see pencil marks on most of the lumber. Measurements, locations and quantities are all written on the wall, and while an illegible note might not kill anyone, there’s a high likelihood it could cost a contractor some money.

Handwriting involves many skills including fine motor skills.  Fine motor skills involve the control of small precise movements with the fingers, wrists and hands.  A child’s handwriting skills depend on the child’s fine motor skills. These skills are important for day to day activities in life.   A good pencil grip, eye hand coordination, visual perception ability (remembering what they have been taught) visual motor integration skills (the ability to copy what students are shown) and posture are all components for good handwriting.  For some students, reproducing letters and numbers that they are shown in a classroom or group setting is very easy for them and they learn very quickly but for others, they may need extra help. Sometimes, a student requires more intense assistance to develop the skills necessary for good handwriting.  Occupational therapists have been working with children for many years to improve their fine motor and written communication skills.  The Golden Light Wellness Center is sponsoring handwriitng clinics Draw to Write Classes and evaluaton program The Print Tool.

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ABOUT THE THERAPIST....

Debra George began her career when she graduated from Lehigh County Community College in 1977 with in Associates Degree in Occupational Therapy.  She worked with Geriatrics in a long term care facility for 13 years as a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant /Activities Director III while completing a Bachelors Degree in Therapeutic Recreation from Lincoln University in 1986.

In 1989, Debra completed a second Bachelors Degree in Occupational Therapy from the Dominican College of Blauvelt, New York and has been working as a Registered Occupational Therapist in the field of pediatrics

(early intervention and school based occupational therapy services) since 1990.

Debra's interest in the pediatric field has been in handwriting and written communication skills.

She began working with Handwriting Clinics through Easter Seal of Chester County in 1998. She has become Certified with the Interactive Metronome program and has taken the Handwriitng Without Tears course including The Print Tool. Most recently Debra has become certified through the Handwriting Without Tears program