To register for this group, click here.
A 5 week printing program with a home practice component developed by an Occupational Therapist based on the findings from A Systematic Review of Interventions to Improve Handwriting, Canadian Journal of Occupational Therapy, 78 (1) , 13-23).
Based on this review, Ready – Set – PRINT! has been re-developed to meet the needs of all children requiring assistance with printing and printing refinement (legibility). Participants will be grouped according to their abilities.
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Riley's Story
Riley is 7 years old and comes to blueballoon weekly to work on his fine and gross motor skills. Riley’s parents brought him to blueballoon primarily to work on his printing skills. In session he works with Occupational Therapist, Ashley Faux, to increase the strength in his hand and wrist and to improve the formation of his letters. They work on grasp and positioning and direction of the pencil, and do other exercises that increase strength and dexterity in the hands and fingers. Ashley will place an object into putty, for example, and Riley is challenged with getting the object out, or they will play a game that involves the placement of pegs into small holes. These activities really target the muscles needed to improve Riley’s fine motor skills, and will not only help with printing, but with other daily activities like doing up buttons and tying shoelaces. Riley also participated in blueballoon’s Ready-Set-PRINT! program and has made great gains. He began with an unusual grasp on the pencil, but now has a nice tripod grasp, and has really improved his lettering. Ashley says Riley is not only open to learning, but very excited to be learning and he’s very positive. Since fine and gross motor skills are linked, Riley also works in session on improving his gross motor skills. Obstacle courses, the ball pit and balancing activities help with Riley’s core strength and have really improved his confidence. “From our perspective blueballoon has been and continues to be very helpful in improving Riley’s fine and gross motor skills, which in turn is giving him greater confidence in school, on the playground and with daily activities,” says Riley’s Mom. With continued hard work, enthusiasm and determination Riley will be able to achieve his printing goals. Keep it up Riley!
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Activities Included:
- Gross motor activities aimed at improving upper extremity and core strength to support the development of fine motor skills
- Fine motor activities including tactile play, in-hand manipulation activities, hand skill development activities etc.
- Activities aimed at improving visual skills required for reading, printing and copying from the board
- Development and refinement of pencil grasp
- Printing instruction using a variety of teaching methods including visual, tactile, auditory, music, multi-sensory, cognitive, and movement techniques
Facilitated By:
An Occupational Therapist.
Program Fees:
$400. A deposit of 50% is required at the time of registration. The balance is payable on the first day. Fees cannot be refunded due to absence or missed session. Fees may be covered by extended health insurance and can be claimed under the Children’s Activity Tax Credit. Fees may also be eligible for other funding sources.
Cancellation Policy:
Registration deposits are 100% refundable, provided that cancellation is received at lest one week prior to the first class. Deposits are non-refundable if less than one week notice is given, unless your child’s spot can be filled by another child on our waiting list.
To register for this group, click here.
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