Adaptation and Implementation of an Early Intervention Handwriting Programme for Teachers within Mainstream Primary Schools in Scotland.
Citation
(2016) Adaptation and Implementation of an Early
Intervention Handwriting Programme for Teachers within
Mainstream Primary Schools in Scotland., no. 91.
Abstract
As handwriting is such a complex skill, children struggle to execute tasks to a high standard
due to the number of demanding procedures required in order to succeed in the occupation.
This may cause frustration and distress which can affect a child's ability and desire to engage
within handwriting tasks. Likewise, this may also cause anxiety for parents and teachers.
Despite the high standard of literacy teaching in schools, continuous referrals to occupational
therapy are made for children who find handwriting challenging, which highlights a need to
implement services in order to overcome these barriers to learning.
The Scottish Government strives to tackle these issues within the early years in regards to all
aspects of education through the use of policy and legislation. This ensures children of all
ages, especially within early years are given the right support and that resources are
available to ensure they achieve within future occupations.
As a profession, occupational therapists acquire the skills and knowledge to provide
individuals from diverse backgrounds with opportunities to engage within meaningful
occupations in order to succeed within their daily lives. Paediatric occupational therapists aim
to support children in order to maximise their engagement, achievement and independence.
Occupational therapists are equipped with the skills and knowledge to support a child, their
family, other health professionals and educational staff in order to evaluate the challenges
and strengths in a child's daily activities.
The programme proposal aims to adapt an existing early intervention handwriting programme
that was proved to be successful within United States and deliver it to students aged five to
seven within mainstream schools in Scotland. The desire is for the programme to display improvements in handwriting performance and receive positive response from participants
involved in order for sustainability in the future.