Up to 10% of children have difficulty with handwriting, yet only 12% of teachers feel adequately trained to teach it. This week, we break down the six evidence-based principles (plus one essential bonus) that should guide all handwriting instruction and occupational therapy intervention. We examine why focusing on the occupation of writing outperforms a sensory-motor approach, how immediate feedback accelerates progress, and why explicit instruction matters so much. Plus, get a glimpse into how AI technologies like Kaligo and Psymark are revolutionizing how OTs, teachers, and families can collaborate to support children's handwriting development in the digital age.

We share our own thoughts in the Research Review and encourage you to read the article too.

Bonneton-Botté, N., Miramand, L., Bailly, R., & Pons, C. (2023). Teaching and Rehabilitation of Handwriting for Children in the Digital Age: Issues and Challenges. Children, 10(7), 1096. https://doi.org/10.3390/children10071096

The article comes from this special issue on motor learning, handwriting, and dysgraphia. Check it out! https://www.mdpi.com/journal/children/special_issues/9F3723N2SM

KEYWORDS: Occupational therapy; OT; evidence based practice; OT ideas; Peds OT; pediatric occupational therapy; school based; handwriting; writing; penmanship; dysgraphia

Stay informed, stay curious, and stay playful!

Email us at IdeasAtPlayPodcast@gmail.com

Find us on Instagram @ideas.at.play

What happens when a child isn't able eat? In this milestone 10th episode, Michele and Lacy explore the complex world of pediatric occupational therapy and feeding with medically fragile children and our guest, Yovana Harris, BA, COTA/L. She shares both "Nailed It" and "Failed It" experiences, explains her “just give them the food” feeding philosophy, and gives a shout-out to her favorite OT feeding resources. Learn why building trust with parents becomes the foundation for effective OT intervention and how finding moments of joy at mealtime can be life-changing, even when full oral feeding isn't always possible. With remarkable candor, she discusses her journey supporting families through their most vulnerable times while also taking care of herself to avoid burnout. This episode provides valuable insights for any pediatric occupational therapist working with families through feeding challenges or with medically fragile children.

KEYWORDS: Occupational therapy; OT; evidence based practice; OT ideas; peds OT; pediatric occupational therapy; feeding; eating; medically fragile

Stay informed, stay curious, and stay playful!

Email us at IdeasAtPlayPodcast@gmail.com

Find us on Instagram @ideas.at.play

Ever wonder how virtual reality could change your pediatric occupational therapy practice? Michele and Lacy dive into a randomized control trial where VR helped kids with brain injuries make progress in just four weeks of OT intervention! Hear about 3 game-changing elements occupational therapists can implement: instant feedback, kids actually wanting to do more repetitions in therapy, and automatic adjustments for that perfect "just right challenge" every OT strives for. No fancy equipment? No problem - these main ideas work in many OT settings. You'll also hear about a creative occupational therapy "Nailed It!" moment where a high schooler went from frustrating handwriting goals to playing guitar with adaptive equipment!

We share our own thoughts in the Research Review and encourage you to read the article too.

Choi, J. Y., Yi, S. H., Ao, L., Tang, X., Xu, X., Shim, D., Yoo, B., Park, E. S., & Rha, D. W. (2021). Virtual reality rehabilitation in children with brain injury: a randomized controlled trial. Developmental medicine and child neurology, 63(4), 480–487. https://doi.org/10.1111/dmcn.14762

KEYWORDS: Occupational therapy; OT; evidence based practice; OT ideas; Peds OT; pediatric occupational therapy; virtual reality; brain injury; cerebral palsy; CP

Stay informed, stay curious, and stay playful!

Email us at IdeasAtPlayPodcast@gmail.com

Find us on Instagram @ideas.at.play