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How Can Occupational Therapy Help With Executive Function?

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Occupational therapy (OT) helps children and people of all ages to engage in daily activities, occupations, and roles that are meaningful and important to them.

Occupational therapists often work with children who have difficulty with executive function skills.

What is Executive Function?

Executive function refers to the cognitive processes that help children plan, organize, initiate, self-monitor, and adjust their behavior in order to achieve goals.

These skills are critical for success in many areas of life, including school, work, and daily activities. Some examples of executive function skills include:

Attention and concentration
Time management
Organization
Working memory
Planning and prioritization
Impulse control
Emotional regulation

OT practitioners can help children with executive function difficulties by using a variety of intervention strategies. These may include:

Providing education and training on executive function skills
Using tools and strategies to support organization and planning
Developing routines and schedules to help with time management
Incorporating mindfulness and relaxation techniques to improve emotional regulation
Working on self-awareness and self-monitoring to improve impulse control

Occupational therapy can be a valuable intervention for children with executive function difficulties, as it can help them to build the skills and strategies needed to succeed in daily life activities.

Occupational therapists can work with teachers, other staff, and parents to help support children in the above-mentioned areas.

This support can provide a connection to the skills as well as provide ideas and strategies to help in areas that may be of concern.

It is important to work on and build these skills as children because they will be used across their life span.

While children are young and should not be expected to be perfect with these skills, it is the perfect time to teach and work on these skills.

Occupational therapists can play an important role in the development of these skills.

Until next time.

Discharging Students from School-Based Occupational Therapy Services: A Guide for Parents and Educators

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As a parent or educator, it can be challenging to navigate the process of discharging a student from school-based occupational therapy services.

Discharging a student from occupational therapy services can be a positive outcome, indicating that the student has made significant progress in achieving their goals.

In this blog post, I will discuss what the discharge process entails and how parents and educators can support their students during this transition.

Key Steps in Discharging a Student:

Review of progress: Occupational therapists typically review a student’s progress regularly to determine whether they are meeting their goals.

If a student has met their goals, it may be time to consider discharging them from services.
Consult with the IEP team: The Individualized Education Program (IEP) team, which includes parents, teachers, and other professionals, should be consulted before discharging a student from occupational therapy services.

The team can review the student’s progress and determine if the student still requires services.
Provide recommendations: Occupational therapists can provide recommendations for continued support and strategies to help the student maintain their progress after discharge.
Monitor progress: The student’s progress should continue to be monitored after discharge to ensure that they are maintaining their skills and abilities.
Reevaluation: If the student’s needs change, or they require additional support, they may need to be reevaluated to determine if they require occupational therapy services again.

How to Support Your Student During the Discharge Process

Communicating with the occupational therapist: It’s important to communicate with the occupational therapist throughout the discharge process to ensure that everyone is on the same page and that the student’s needs are being met.
Continuing to work on goals: Even after discharge, it’s essential to continue working on the student’s goals to ensure that they maintain their progress.
Implementing recommended strategies: Occupational therapists can provide recommendations for strategies to help the student maintain their progress.

It’s essential to implement these strategies to ensure the student’s success.
Monitoring progress: It’s crucial to monitor the student’s progress after discharge to ensure that they are maintaining their skills and abilities.

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Discharging a student from OT services can be met with excitement, fear, or both.

It can be a time to celebrate a student’s hard work, but it can also be scary for teachers and parents to imagine the student without occupational therapy support.

It may be a relief and well deserved.

All feelings about discharge from a service are OK.

What’s important to remember is how far the student has come and if there truly is a need for continued services.

Occupational therapy in most cases is not meant as a lifelong service.

The best occupational therapists will tell you discharge is part of the plan from the time of the initial assessment.

The goal of occupational therapy is to address skill deficits, build strategies and discharge the student.

It can be hard to let go but it’s important to assess if it’s the right thing to do.

Occupational therapists have the skills and the knowledge to give an expert professional opinion about discharge from services.

It’s important that everyone feels comfortable with the decision to discharge.

Until next time.

What is School-Based Occupational Therapy?

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Have you ever wondered, “What is school-based occupational therapy?” or have you ever wondered “What makes school-based OT different than other OT services?”

In this blog post, I will explore the purpose of school-based OT, its benefits, and the process of receiving this type of occupational therapy.

School-Based occupational therapy focuses on helping students develop the skills they need to participate fully in school activities.

School-based OT is often recommended for students who have physical, developmental, or cognitive challenges that make it difficult for them to keep up with their peers in the classroom.

The Purpose of School-Based Occupational Therapy

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The main purpose of school-based occupational therapy is to help students with disabilities participate fully in school activities.

Occupational therapists work with students to develop the skills they need to succeed in the classroom, such as fine motor skills, sensory processing skills, visual perception skills, and handwriting skills.

They also help students learn how to use adaptive equipment and assistive technology to support their learning.

The Benefits of School-Based Occupational Therapy

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The benefits of school-based OT are numerous. For students, this type of therapy can help them:

Improve academic performance
Increase independence and self-esteem
Develop social skills
Manage sensory processing challenges
Enhance physical abilities

For parents, school-based OT can provide peace of mind knowing their child is receiving the support they need to succeed in school.

Teachers and other school professionals also benefit from school-based OT because it helps them better understand the needs of their students and provides them with strategies to support those needs.

The Process of Receiving School-Based Occupational Therapy

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The process of receiving school-based occupational therapy begins with a referral from a teacher, parent, or other school professionals.

Once a referral is made, an occupational therapist will conduct an evaluation to determine the student’s strengths and challenges.

Based on the results of the evaluation, if the student qualifies for services, the occupational therapist will develop an individualized treatment plan (IEP) that outlines specific goals and objectives.

Therapy sessions may take place in the classroom or in a designated therapy room, depending on the student’s needs.

What’s Next?

This post is meant to be an overview of school-based occupational therapy.

It is critical to continue to find out more about the process and if you are a parent, your rights.

There are many online resources that can help guide you on your journey (see below to get started).

If you are wondering what the difference is between school-based and medically based OT, keep an eye on this space and look for my upcoming blog post on the difference between the two.

Until next time.

Want to learn more? Click on the links below.

American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA)
AOTA information sheet on school-based OT
Occupational therapy as a related service (IDEA)

Overcoming Handwriting Difficulties in High School: Tips and Strategies

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High school students are constantly required to write essays, take notes, and complete assignments by hand.

However, for some, handwriting can be a challenging task.

Whether it’s due to a learning disability or poor fine motor skills, struggling with handwriting can negatively impact academic success.

I am frequently asked about how to help high school students with their handwriting.

I will say it usually requires the student to be highly motivated to work on and address difficulties with handwriting but it can be done.

Below are some general tips to help high school students overcome handwriting difficulties.

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Tips and Tricks

Here are some tips and strategies for overcoming handwriting difficulties in high school:

Improve fine motor skills: Practicing exercises that strengthen the small muscles in hands and fingers can help improve handwriting.

Simple activities such as squeezing a stress ball, using play-doh, or doing puzzles can be effective.
Try different writing utensils: Experiment with different pens, pencils, and grips to find the most comfortable and effective tool.

Some students may find it easier to write with a pen that has a thicker grip or a pencil with a larger lead size.
Use assistive technology: There are many apps and tools available that can help with handwriting, such as voice-to-text software or digital note-taking apps.

Most phones have a build in note feature, but you can also try apps like Evernote.

These can be especially helpful for students with learning disabilities.
Seek support from an occupational therapist: If handwriting difficulties are impacting academic performance, it may be helpful to work with an occupational therapist.

They can provide personalized strategies and exercises to help improve handwriting.
Advocate: It’s important to communicate with teachers and support staff about your handwriting difficulties.

They can provide accommodations such as extra time on tests or access to a laptop for note-taking.

Remember, struggling with handwriting does not define academic abilities.

By implementing these tips and strategies, students can overcome handwriting difficulties and succeed in high school.

Developing Self-Regulation Skills in Young Children

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As parents and caregivers, one of our key responsibilities is to help young children develop self-regulation skills.

Self-regulation refers to a child’s ability to manage their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors in response to different situations.

It is an essential skill for success in school, relationships, and life in general.

Parents frequently ask me what they can do to help their child with self regulation. Here are my top 20 strategies to help young children develop their self regulation skills.

10 Strategies to Help Develop Self Regulation Skills

Here are some tips and strategies to help young children develop self-regulation skills:

Model self-regulation behaviors yourself.

It’s important to remember if you are not regulated, it will be hard for your child to be regulated.

Young children will use the adults around them to co-regulate.

If you are not calm it’s hard to expect your child to be calm.
Provide a consistent routine and structure for your child.

This includes mealtimes and bedtimes.

Remember to keep a schedule on the weekends too.
Give your child opportunities to make choices and take ownership of their decisions.

Kids like to feel like they have some control too.

Offering choices can be a great way to let your little one be part of things.
Encourage physical activity and outdoor play.

Swimming, horseback riding, or good old playground fun are all great activities for little ones.
Teach your child deep breathing and other calming techniques.

There is loads of research proving that meditation and deep breathing work.

It’s never too young to start.

Many mediation apps have a kid section. The Calm app is one of my favorites.
Provide sensory input, such as soft blankets, lamp light instead of overhead light, or fidget toys.

Noise-canceling headphones also work great.
Use positive reinforcement and praise your child’s efforts.

Remember to focus on the good stuff.

We all respond better to praise than we do to criticism.
Create a calm and peaceful home environment.

It can be hard for children to “calm down” in a chaotic environment.

Make sure to have a quiet and peaceful place in your house your child can go to relax.
Avoid over-scheduling your child’s day.

Kids don’t need to be involved in everything or “kept busy”.

Children need downtime. It’s ok for them to get bored.
Encourage socialization with peers and positive relationships.

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Additional Strategies

Here are 10 additional strategies to help your child with their self regulation.

Set clear expectations and boundaries for behavior.

Sometimes, with dysregulation can come poor behavior.

It happens, but make sure there are clear boundaries.

It is never ok for children to act out physically just because they are dysregulated.
Use visual cues and schedules to help your child understand expectations.

This tip is especially great for young children who can’t tell time.

Visual schedules can help children understand what’s coming next.
Provide opportunities for your child to practice problem-solving skills.

Try not to solve every problem for your child, but instead try asking them “what do you think we should do?”
Encourage your child to express their emotions and validate their feelings.

We often say things like “calm down”, “don’t cry”, or “you’re ok”.

This can teach kids to ignore their own feelings.

Instead, we need to teach kids that it’s ok to feel whatever they are feeling.

It’s ok to be sad and cry or to be angry or hurt.
Use mindfulness exercises to help your child stay focused and present.
Teach your child to identify their triggers and how to manage them.

A good way to start off is “I noticed when ________ happens, you seem sad……”
Encourage healthy eating habits and adequate sleep.
Provide opportunities for creative expression, such as art or music.
Practice gratitude and positive thinking.

Make sure to model this kind of positive behavior for your child.
Seek professional help if you have concerns about your child’s behavior or development.

There are many disciplines that can help including a psychologist, an occupational therapist, or your child’s pediatrician.

Expert opinion: There are a lot of programs out there that try and teach self regulation and good behavior through forced compliance.

I have never been a fan of these programs and there are many adults who have been through these programs that are now speaking out about the trauma they endured as children.

I feel strongly it is critical to listen to these voices and base approaches and treatment around programs that do not require forced compliance.

Expert tip: Lastly remember kids need to LEARN how to self regulate.

We often have the expectation they will already know how to do this, but they need to be taught and given the opportunity to learn.

Learning is not a straight line up, there will be some bumps in the road, and it’s ok to have a bad day (or several bad days).

With your help and guidance you children will learn how to self-regulate.

You’ve got this!

The Teacher, The Classroom, and The Occupational Therapist

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An occupational therapist walks into a teacher’s classroom…….Sounds like the beginning of a great story if you ask me!

I’ve been a school-based occupational therapist for over 20 years.

I’ve seen it all, I’ve heard it all, and I’ve done it all, and as teachers know, some of it I wish I hadn’t seen heard, or done.

All of that aside, I have experienced the amazing connection between teacher and occupational therapist and I’m here to talk about the benefits of this relationship.

Top 5 Things to Know About Teachers and Occupational Therapists

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1. Occupational therapists are educators too!

We share many similarities with teachers.

From overbooked schedules to finding time to run to the bathroom, our experiences are more similar than most would think.

We work hard to teach our students the skills of life while supporting them in an academic setting.

2. We love your classrooms.

Let me tell you I’ve been in many a dynamic classroom over the years.

Teachers can do some amazing things, and nothing brings more joy to our OT hearts than to see classrooms that have incorporated good practice ideas into it.

Can anyone say flexible seating?

3. We would like to see change too.

We feel the same frustrations you do when talking about the need for change in the system.

We see the same need to move into a new way of thinking to better support students.

4. We are burned out, overworked, and strapped for resources too.

The post-COVID school era has hit us hard too.

We are experiencing the same feelings you as teachers are.

We are tired.

Our schedules are overflowing, and we often don’t have all the resources we need to support our students.

5. We are with you!

Despite the grim news in #4 of my list, we are with you!

We are in this together, and OTs recognize the value, importance, and hard work of teachers.

We are here to support you and support your students.

We understand the ins and outs of schools and although we occasionally may make a suggestion you think is bonkers, our end goal is to help.

How We Can Help Each Other Out

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Now that I’ve talked about our relationship, let’s talk about how we can help each other out.

1. Keep collaborating!

It’s important for teachers and OTs to collaborate, from scheduling services to goals, to where services should be delivered, collaboration makes everything easier.

2. We are all in it for the kids.

I’ve seen both teachers and OTs get upset when a suggestion or idea is made.

I guarantee you ideas and suggestions are not given to personally attack anyone.

We are all looking for the same thing, ways to help our students.

Sometimes suggestions (even the ones we know we can’t do) can get the juices flowing or spark other ideas.

3. Plan together.

There’s a lot of overlap between teachers and OTs why not plan together and make things easier?

OTs often have their own schedules as do teachers, but there is often so much overlap.

Are you a kindergarten teacher working on handwriting?

Why not invite the OT into your classroom at that time to see kids who are struggling with handwriting?

4. We need a tribe too.

Working as an OT can be a lonely business, often we are the only OT in the building (sometimes the district!) or we are not in the building full time.

Make sure to reach out to your OT, or stop by and say “hi”.

We enjoy being a part of things too.

I worked in a building only 2 days a week, but the staff ALWAYS invited me to their activities knowing most of the time I wasn’t there.

This small gesture meant a lot to me.

5. Find time to have a little fun.

It’s easy to get caught up in tests, projects, and meetings (oh my!) but don’t forget to have a little fun.

Teachers, OTs, and students all need a bit of fun now and again! 🙂

Let’s Keep Working Together

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I have always loved the time I’ve spent in the classroom working with teachers.

I believe we couldn’t do it without each other.

Each discipline offers a unique lens to view students and help them reach their potential.

We have a common mutual interest making it that much easier to work together.

And we’ve all been dealt a very unique hand with COVID ongoing.

Let’s be honest, it’s been pretty hard lately but we’ve had and have each other.

The joy you see on your student’s faces when they accomplish something is the joy we as OTs share in.

There is daily reward and gratification in working with students.

Aren’t we the lucky ones to share such an amazing experience?

Becoming a School Based Clinician 101

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Are you interested in becoming a school-based clinician?

Or perhaps you’ve recently accepted a school-based job?

Do you just want to know more about it?

This post will take a look a becoming a school-based clinician and offer you ideas, tips, and tricks for starting your school-based journey.

We will touch on a few key aspects of being a school-based clinician that may vary from other settings and hopefully serve as a guide to help you get started or make a decision if school-based work is for you.

Let’s get started.

The Schools

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The school environments you work in can differ.

Every district and every school is different.

It can be important to get to know district policies, school culture, and even just learn your way around.

Just like a new student, learning where things are located can be important.

Don’t overlook the small stuff either like introducing yourself to the custodian or janitor (trust me at some point you’ll need them), knowing where the emergency exits are, or where the nearest bathroom is.

The school schedule can also be incredibly helpful, both the daily schedule and the calendar for the year.

Expert tip: Don’t forget about summer!

Things to ask and consider.

Are you required to work summer school (called extended school year or ESY) and if so what are the days and times?

Is your salary dispersed over the entire 12-month year or are you only paid over 10 months?

If you are only paid for 10 months make sure to plan how you will get by the other 2 months.

The Students and The Educational Models

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The students you will be serving will require different levels of support.

If you are not already familiar with pediatric diagnoses, now would be a good time to brush up on your knowledge.

How students are supported looks different in different districts.

Some districts have self-contained programs for those students requiring more support than a general education classroom.

Some districts have all of their students in a general education setting.

It will be important for you to know what programs your district has (including the referral process), where they are located, and how they work.

Expert tip: Some districts use a pull-out model (where the student is pulled out of class and receives therapy in a different room), some use a push-in model (where you go into the student’s classroom and treat the child while they are in class), and some use a combination of both.

Some districts prefer group treatment sessions, some prefer individual.

Make sure to find out.

Treatment

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Providing treatment in a school environment is different than treating in a clinical environment (educational vs. medical model).

While this can be a hot-button issue, generally speaking, your treatment should be academically relevant.

Expert tip: Want to know more about the difference between educational and medical models of practice? Click here.

Documentation

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Documentation is data-driven and focuses on progress toward goals.

Goals are generally written for the school year, with progress updated on a semester or trimester basis.

A student’s progress is formally updated on a yearly basis (annual review) and every 3 years, a student must be fully re-evaluated (usually including formal assessments) to continue to qualify for special education services (triennial review).

Expert tip: There are formal timelines for both annual and triennial reviews. There are also formal timelines in which these reviews must be conducted and reported (45 days).

Meetings

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Meetings both formal and informal take place to review progress, change goals, and review evaluations.

They also take place for placement in programs, to add or discharge services or change service hours.

Expert tip: Learning about IDEA (Individuals With Disabilities Education Act) is critical to know and understand in your school-based journey. Click here to learn more.

Steps to Take

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Now that you know a little bit more about becoming a school-based clinician what should you do?

Get out there and apply for jobs. Often districts list their openings on the district website, so make sure to check there first.
Join a group. There are a lot of groups out there that can help you on your journey. Be sure to check Facebook groups!
Take some CEU’s. CEU’s are a great way to gain some knowledge!

Traveling With Kids

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Recently, I spent some time traveling and it got me thinking about traveling with kids.

I got stuck in the travel nightmare that occurred over the holiday season here in the U.S. with tens of thousands of canceled flights, diversions, long lines, and lost luggage, it was a rough journey.

In the many many hours I spent in the airport, I saw parents and kids trapped in the same nightmare.

There were even a few minor kids who were traveling alone.

While my child is more of a teen these days, it was still no easy trip.

My heart went out to all the crying babies, and exhausted parents.

There were some things I learned along the way which I thought I would share here.

I know many of you reading this have sensory sensitive kids, so I’ve added a few things to help with sensory overload.

In the Airport

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Just like you plan your trip, plan your time at the airport. This includes parking, shuttle service, renting a car, checking bags, security, lines, food, and places to charge your phone (which you’ll need if you get delayed).
Dress light. We all know how security is. You want things that are easy to get on and off not only yourself but your kids including shoes.
Plan for waiting in lines. Have something to entertain your little ones while waiting in line. People watch, play I Spy, sing a song, play Simon Says.
Sensory tips
- Noise-cancelling headphones can be helpful for blocking out all of those loud sounds.
- Sitting at a gate that doesn’t have a flight boarding or arriving can be a good place to regroup and is usually a little more quiet.
- “Visit” the airport before you go. Get on their website. Talk about what it will be like. What you will see, hear, and smell. Find a video that shows what airports are like.

On the Plane

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Make sure activities are easily accessible. Nothing like your child asking for their coloring book that you left in the carry-on in the overhead bin and the fasten seatbelts sign is on.
Review plane manners. You don’t want your kid to the be one kicking the seat in front of them or screaming the whole trip. This doesn’t mean it won’t happen (and it’s ok if it does) but make sure your child knows what you expect of them while on the plane.
Bring extras. Extra water, extra snacks, extra clothes, extra activities.
Plan out the time. Have a plan for how you will engage your kids for the flight including time sitting on the runway and waiting for all the people in front of you to get off the plane.
Screen time is ok. While everything these days seems to be geared towards no screen time or at least less of it, in my opinion, this is one time to use screen time to your advantage. Don’t forget to download shows or movies BEFORE you board!
Be aware of sensory stimuli on planes. From popping ears to the sounds of take-off and landing, to the whoosh of the toilet flushing (come on, let’s be honest, that is one scary sound), to motion sickness, planes can easily become a sensory overload haven. This is a good time to pull out all the stops and use what you have to reduce overstimulation. We’ve already talked about noise-canceling headphones, but here are some other ideas.
- Gum or hard candy-sucking or chewing can help with popping ears
- Let your child come out of the bathroom first and flush for them to avoid them having to stand in a confined space with a loud noise.
- If your child is sensitive to sounds or has anxiety- explain what the sounds are that they will hear on a plane.
- Talk to your child’s doctor if they are sensitive to motion to see if there is anything they can take to alleviate motion sickness.
- Pack a comfort item. If you child has a lovey or a blanket or another comfort item be sure to pack it in your carry on. Even adults struggle with flying so making sure your child has a comfort item while flying can help.
- Find spaces to decompress before and after the flight. Between the airport and the plane ride, flying is at the top of the sensory overstimulation list. Make sure to give your child a space where they can decompress from the experience.

Remember flying can be a fun and exciting experience.

Sometimes, the unexpected can and does happen.

Being prepared to the best of your ability will help alleviate stress and anxiety for both you and your child.

Until next time.

Holiday Reminders

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With the holidays upon us, I frequently get questions about how to “survive” the holidays. Here are my top 10 holiday reminders for families.

Top 10 Holiday Reminders

Not only can the holidays be tough for some adults, they can be tough for kids too. While your little one may seem gleeful about being out of school, remember no school is also a loss of a predictable schedule, and less time with beloved peers. While the break is welcomed, it can be difficult to get adjusted to a new schedule.
Crowds-from gift shopping to performances to family gatherings, crowds can be more of a thing during the holiday season. Pay attention to how your kids feel about crowds and how they act no only in crowds, but once they are back at home. For many kids there is anxiety around meeting new people, germs, and a general feeling of being overwhelmed. Downtime can be a chance for everyone to rest and reset.
Travel-going to grandma’s house can be both exciting and terrifying at the same time. Everyone loves grandma but no one likes the 18 hour road trip or the 4 hour flight delay. Once arrived, remember you child can be sleeping in a new bed and/or unfamiliar environment. Make sure to talk about the trip before going. How long will it take? Bring a small familiar item from home to help ease transitions and soothe nerves. Have a fun activity up your sleeve that you can pull out if there’s a travel delay.
Food-there are usually a variety of goodies to try over the holidays. From moms familiar mac & cheese to grandma trying out her new fruit cake recipe there can be a lot of different things to taste. Remember to keep in mind there can be anxiety around trying new foods. Make sure to keep a few familiar standbys on hand and be understanding of your child if they express apprehension about trying something new.
Personal space-everyone wants a hug at the holidays it seems. Remember your child may not be a hugger, or they may be a hugger but get overwhelmed easily with new people or in crowds. Don’t force your child to physically interact with anyone. A gentle reminder to Uncle Joe that your child doesn’t like hugs can go a long way.
Sleep-sleep can become more important for your child during the holidays. A new time zone, a new bed, or late night festivities can really throw children off. Try to keep a consistent schedule for bedtime. A nap might come in handy if you’ve had an especially busy day.
Santa-love him or hate him, that’s how kids seem to view Santa. Remember that while we may want our child to have a picture with Santa or we might enjoy the picture of a screaming child sitting on Santa’s lap, meeting Santa can be an incredibly stressful experience. Last year your child may have loved Santa and this year they won’t go near him. Follow your child’s lead and don’t force it.
Meltdowns-it’s ok to not have holiday cheer each and every day. No matter how hard you try to prevent it, a meltdown may occur. It’s ok if it does. Support your child through it and they’ll be back spreading holiday cheer before you know it.
Gifts-remember gifts can be the latest toy or a trip to a new city or quality time watching a movie. Giving back or helping others are also precious gifts to give. Remind your children that gifts come in many forms.
Consider others-I know how stressful the holidays can be, but it’s important to enjoy the moments. It’s also important to remember that the holidays can be hard for many people. Make sure to not only consider yourself but others as well during these next few weeks.

Until next time

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The Benefits of Cursive

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Hello!

This post is one close to my heart.

It’s about the benefits of cursive in today’s digital age.

Many people think cursive is irrelevant and outdated (some feel this way about handwriting too!) but I am here to tell you it’s not.

Cursive, I believe is more relevant now than it was 30 years ago.

Why do I say that you ask? Let’s dive in.

Why Did Cursive Disappear?

I’m not sure when schools stopped teaching cursive, but in many schools, it’s gone by the wayside.

Cursive has been traded in for typing and keyboarding and is often deemed as “unnecessary” or “irrelevant”.

I’m here to tell you, cursive has so much to offer and should still be part of schools’ curricula.

Here are just a few benefits of cursive.

It flows.

For those students who may struggle with printing, cursive is another option for them to master their handwriting skills.

Many students say because of its flow, cursive is easier than print.

It trains your brain to multitask.

Multitasking in this instance is good.

Cursive teaches the brain to concentrate on several things at once.

This helps develop other academic skills such as reading and writing at the same time.

It helps develop other skills such as memory, eye hand coordination, spelling, and reading.

Cursive is better at forming connections in the brain than typing. While we all agree typing/keyboarding are essential, typing does not form the same brain connections that help with other skills.

It can be faster.

For those students who take their time when writing, cursive can speed up the process.

With letters connected, students can write faster, allowing them to finish assignments in a more timely manner.

Young African American girls coloring with another child in the background — Photo by Anastasia Shuraeva on Pexels.com

More Benefits of Cursive

If the above hasn’t convinced you, here are some other benefits of cursive.

-You can sign your name.

Our signature is needed for so many things, banking, credit card transactions, and signing documents just to name a few.

Being able to sign your name in cursive can cut down on identity theft because it’s much harder to replicate a signature in cursive than it is in print.

-You can read historical documents.

Back in the “olden days” cursive was all the rage.

Everything was written in cursive from the constitution to your great-great grandmothers journal.

Having the ability to read cursive is important when teaching about history.

-It can be self regulating.

Probably something you’ve never thought of, but cursive can be self regulating.

Getting into the flow can literally be calming and organizing to your sensory system.

As you can see the benefits of cursive are endless.

I have my fingers crossed that one day soon it will make a resurgence and its true value will once again be recognized.

Cursive is important.

It has its place in today’s world.

It is an important skill to learn.

Until next time.

African American young boy writing in a workbook. — Photo by Katerina Holmes on Pexels.com