Writing skills checklist in occupational therapy

Gross Motor Skills

Upper body stability for proper posture while writing

Core strength for sitting upright during writing tasks

Hand-arm coordination for coordinated movements while writing

Lower body strength for stability while sitting

Bilateral coordination for using both hands together during writing tasks

Balance and coordination for maintaining a steady position while writing

Endurance for prolonged writing tasks

Motor control for smooth and controlled movements while writing

Fine Motor Skills

Hand strength for sustained writing tasks

Finger dexterity for precise manipulation of writing utensils

Thumb opposition for efficient grasping and releasing of writing tools

Finger isolation for precise control and coordination while writing

Hand-eye coordination for accurate placement of writing utensil on paper

In-hand manipulation skills for adjusting grip on writing tool during writing tasks

Pincer grasp for picking up and holding small objects like pencil tips

Bilateral hand coordination for stabilizing paper while writing with dominant hand

Visual-Motor Integration

Hand-eye coordination for accurate tracking and tracing of letters

Use activities like tracing letters or connecting dots to improve hand-eye coordination
Practice copying letters from a model or tracing over highlighted letters

Visual perception for recognizing and interpreting written symbols

Engage in activities like matching letters or identifying letters in a sequence
Use flashcards or games to practice recognizing different letters and symbols

Spatial awareness for proper placement and alignment of letters on the page

Use lined paper to help guide letter placement and spacing
Practice writing within designated boundaries or boxes to improve alignment

Visual motor skills for coordinating hand movements with visual information

Engage in activities like drawing shapes or patterns to improve visual motor skills
Practice activities that involve hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills

Visual scanning skills for efficiently searching and locating information on a page

Practice activities like finding specific letters or words in a block of text
Use tools like highlighters or pointers to aid in visual scanning

Visual memory for recalling letter formations and sequences while writing

Practice writing letters from memory or recalling letter sequences
Use mnemonic devices or visual cues to aid in remembering letter formations

Visual attention for sustaining focus and concentration during writing tasks

Engage in activities that require sustained attention, like writing a short story
Practice mindfulness techniques to improve focus and concentration

Proprioceptive Input

Pressure modulation for varying writing pressure

Sensory feedback for maintaining appropriate pencil grasp

Body awareness for proper positioning and posture while writing

Incorporate weighted writing tools or putty to provide deep pressure input while writing

Use tactile cues or markers on the writing surface to help the individual maintain proper spacing and alignment

Provide proprioceptive input through activities like heavy work tasks or deep pressure massage before writing tasks

Encourage the individual to take movement breaks throughout writing tasks to promote body awareness and regulation

Tactile Discrimination

Sensitivity to writing surfaces for appropriate pressure and feedback

Texture discrimination for selecting appropriate writing tools

Hand sensitivity for detecting subtle differences in pencil pressure

Ability to differentiate between various textures and surfaces when writing

Sensitivity to the pressure needed for different types of writing utensils

Discrimination of tactile feedback when writing on different materials

Ability to adjust grip and pressure based on tactile cues from writing surface

Motor Planning

Sequencing of movements for forming letters and words

Coordination of bilateral hand movements for smooth writing

Motor control for initiating and terminating writing strokes

Planning and organizing the sequence of motor movements required for writing tasks

Incorporating spatial awareness and directionality into writing movements

Adjusting pressure and force of writing utensil for different writing tasks

Implementing strategies for letter formation consistency and legibility

Monitoring and self-correcting errors in motor planning during writing tasks

Visual Tracking

Smooth pursuit movements for following lines of text

Saccadic eye movements for scanning and locating specific information

Visual fixation for maintaining focus on the writing task

Tracking moving objects across different planes of motion

Following a moving target with smooth and accurate eye movements

Shifting gaze efficiently between different points on a page

Anticipating and adjusting to changes in visual stimuli during writing tasks

Coordinating eye movements with hand movements for accurate tracing and copying tasks

Sensory Modulation

Regulation of sensory input for optimal arousal levels during writing

Sensory seeking or avoiding behaviors that impact writing performance

Sensory strategies for maintaining attention and engagement during writing tasks

Identifying triggers for sensory overload or dysregulation during writing tasks

Implementing sensory breaks or movement breaks to support regulation during writing

Utilizing sensory tools or equipment, such as fidgets or weighted blankets, to support regulation during writing

Collaborating with the client to develop a sensory diet or sensory plan to address individual sensory needs during writing tasks

Monitoring and adjusting sensory strategies based on the client's response and engagement during writing activities

Handwriting Ergonomics

Proper positioning of paper and writing tools for optimal hand function

Ergonomic considerations for reducing strain and fatigue during writing

Adaptations and accommodations to support individual sensory-motor needs

Use a slant board or tilted surface to promote proper wrist alignment while writing

Provide a pencil grip or weighted pen to improve grip strength and control

Implement a timer or break schedule to prevent overexertion during writing tasks

Encourage frequent breaks and stretching exercises to reduce muscle tension and improve endurance

Utilize adaptive tools such as pencil grips, weighted pens, or textured surfaces to address sensory-motor challenges during writing tasks

Multisensory Approaches

Incorporating sensory input for enhancing writing skills (e.g., tactile cues, visual prompts)

Integrating sensory-motor activities into writing practice sessions

Using sensory strategies to address barriers to written communication

Implementing activities that engage multiple senses simultaneously (e.g., using scented markers, textured paper)

Encouraging the use of sensory tools such as fidget toys or weighted pencils during writing tasks

Providing opportunities for movement breaks during writing activities to promote sensory regulation

Utilizing visual aids, such as color coding or highlighting, to enhance organization and structure in written work

Incorporating auditory cues or music to support attention and focus during writing tasks