Ready Set Write OT

30/01/2026

As we head into a new school year, I wanted to re-share a previous post about the importance of establishing an efficient pencil grasp early. It’s a timely reminder — especially for our preppies who are just beginning their writing journey.

The early years are the ideal time to support the development of functional handwriting habits. Pencil grasp patterns can become automatic quite quickly, and once they are established, they can be much harder to modify. Providing guidance early helps promote comfort, endurance, and writing efficiency as classroom demands grow.

If you’re unsure what to look for, or wondering whether your child is developing an effective grasp, I have resources available to help.

👉 Visit www.readysetwrite.com.au/resources
for practical information and support.
👉 You can also access a presentation I’ve developed outlining key handwriting considerations for primary school–aged children.

18/01/2026

The Importance of appropriate spacing for handwriting legibility.

For more videos, click on the below.
https://www.readysetwrite.com.au/resources

13/01/2026

VCAA Special Examination Arrangements 2026- key dates.

13/01/2026

ADHD in girls is routinely overlooked in classroom because they don't fit stereotypes.

ADHD in girls often looks like daydreaming, difficulty organising and emotional overwhelm. But teachers are typically trained to identify hyperactive and impulsive behaviours more common in boys.

When girls miss out on timely diagnosis and support, it can have long term impacts on mental health, education and career.

Read the full article: www.adhdaustralia.org.au/why-adhd-in-girls-is-often-missed-at-school

13/01/2026

As the school year begins, it’s a great time to plan for inclusive classrooms.

Students with ADHD can benefit from educational adjustments that support learning, participation and wellbeing.

These adjustments are protected under the Disability Standards for Education 2005.

Read Australasian ADHD Professionals Association's fact sheet for practical examples for ADHD students of all ages: https://adhdguideline.aadpa.com.au/adhd-educational-adjustments/

13/01/2026

Add your perspective to autism research - complete a questionnaire and a brief interview.

13/01/2026

Want practical, evidence-based ways to support handwriting development in primary school-aged children?

This on-demand presentation is designed for parents, teachers, and therapists who want to understand why early intervention matters and what they can do right now to support handwriting skills.

👉 Click on the below link to purchase the video and start supporting handwriting development with confidence.

https://www.readysetwrite.com.au/resources

22/12/2025

Stabilising the paper will help to produce more controlled, legible and efficient handwriting because the writing hand is free to move smoothly and effortlessly across the paper. A visual reminder such as a cut out of the hand placed on top of the paper might assist to remind the child to do this.

17/12/2025

"Break the Ice" - this fun activity supports hand endurance, coordination and fine motor control, and an activity we do regularly at the end of intervention sessions.

The child can play it on their own, trying to beat their previous number of marbles before the 'ice' breaks. Or they could play it with someone else and whoever places the marble that ultimately 'breaks the ice' wins (or looses) the game. Just make sure they hold the tongs correctly, resembling a functional pencil grasp.

03/12/2025

Paper Scrunching- a simple but very effective fine-motor activity- especially for kids who need to strengthen their fingers for handwriting.

Over the past 2 weeks, the children I see for handwriting intervention have been adding to this Christmas Tree as a warm up activity and today we made the finishing touches.

22/11/2025

05/11/2025

✋ Don’t fall for the “they’ll just type in high school” myth!

It’s a common misconception that students don’t need legible or efficient handwriting once they reach secondary school because “everything will be typed.” In reality, handwriting remains a core skill for success well into the teen years — from classwork and exams to note-taking and planning.

If a child is struggling with handwriting in primary school, don’t wait and hope it will sort itself out. Difficulties with handwriting are much harder to change as students get older — habits become ingrained, academic demands increase, and the effort required can become overwhelming.

✏️ Early intervention is key.
Supporting handwriting development in the primary years sets students up for greater confidence, efficiency, and academic success in the secondary years — regardless of how much technology is used.

A handwriting assessment before starting secondary school can help identify whether handwriting will be a barrier to success and provide recommendations for adjustments, accommodations, or remediation strategies.