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Archives: Resources

Child drawing a family with a rainbow, sun, and grass using colorful markers on paper.
OT Tip Sheet: Colouring

Colouring builds finger control and spatial awareness, both essential for printing. Staying within lines helps children practice precision, coordination, and working within defined spaces.

July 18, 2025

Three young girls focused on writing in notebooks with pencils at a table with stationery items.
OT Tip Sheet: Light Pencil Pressure

Light pencil pressure means pressing too softly when writing, making work hard to see. Strengthening hands and improving grasp helps increase pressure for clearer, more confident writing.

July 18, 2025

Three children drawing with colored pencils at a table while another stands by a chalkboard.
OT Tip Sheet: Heavy Pencil Pressure

Heavy pencil pressure is when a child presses too hard while writing, which can cause fatigue, dark marks, or broken tips. Practicing lighter control improves neatness, speed, and comfort.

July 18, 2025

Child drawing faces, a heart, and a red-green object on white paper with scattered colored pencils.
OT Tip Sheet: Alternative Pencil Grips

An alternative pencil grip uses simple household items to support proper finger placement and control. It helps children build strong motor patterns and improve writing skills.

July 18, 2025

Hand holding a colorful chevron pen with pink grip writing on paper close-up
OT Tip Sheet: Pencil Grips

A pencil grip is a tool that supports proper finger placement and pencil control. It helps children develop better writing habits, finger coordination, and fine motor strength.

July 18, 2025

Child drawing with brown colored pencil on white paper, green container with pencils nearby.
OT Tip Sheet: Printing Practice at Home

Practicing printing at home reinforces school learning, shows that writing is part of everyday life, and offers fun, varied opportunities to build confidence and consistency.

July 18, 2025

Two girls lying on a bed writing and highlighting in a notebook with a textbook and flip phone nearby.
OT Tip Sheet: Printing Lines

Printing lines are visual guides that help children place, size, and align letters correctly. They support neat, organized writing and are essential for early printing development.

July 18, 2025

Three children on the floor writing and organizing a weekly chore list on a whiteboard.
OT Tip Sheet: Journal Strategies for Pre-Printers

Journal pre-printing strategies help non-printers engage meaningfully in journaling by matching tasks to their skill level, building confidence, motor habits, and early literacy through drawing, shapes, and letter exposure.

July 18, 2025