Eighth Class

During our eighth class we watched a YouTube video entitled, “Low Tech AT for Handwriting.” This was an interested video that discussed many different low tech assistive technology tools that can be easy implement into a classroom to help students that many experience difficulties with handwriting activities. I have had many experiences working with students that could have benefited from using these tools when trying to express themselves on paper. Fortunately, I have seen several of the items discussed in this video being used and distributed in resource classrooms and learning centres.    

We also watched a YouTube video entitled, “Pencil Grip, Positioning and Handwriting OT Perspectives.” This was an interesting video because it gave me the perspective of an occupational therapist in regards to how we use a pencil and way some students experience difficulties with handwriting. The video discussed the idea behind Pencil Olympics, a series of activities that students can do with their pencils to show their finger strength. This would be a useful activity to use with my students when assessing their finger strength and to also help them develop finger strength.    

An activity that we did during class, that had a strong impact on me, was writing my summer plans down on paper using my left hand. After spending five minutes writing one small paragraph describing my summer plans, I felt exhausted from spending time focusing on forming each letter. By participating in this activity, I better understand why it is important that students experiencing difficulties with handwriting have access to assistive technology tools that they could use to make handwriting tasks more enjoyable.