Ready Set Write OT

17/03/2026

Some children work incredibly hard just to hold their pencil comfortably.

Using a pencil grip is often recommended to support finger positioning, but for many kids, it’s not as simple as “just put it on.” Figuring out where each finger should go can actually add more cognitive load — especially for children who are already concentrating on letter formation, spacing, and what they want to write.

I often see children fidgeting with the grip, shifting their fingers, or abandoning it altogether because it just feels too confusing or effortful.

One simple strategy I use to reduce this load is adding a small sticker to show exactly where the thumb goes (as shown in the photo). It gives a clear, consistent visual cue — no guessing, no extra thinking — so the child can focus more on writing and less on finger placement.

Sometimes it’s the smallest adjustments that make the biggest difference. ✏️

14/03/2026

Free online workshop for parents & educators

27/02/2026

Have you ever wondered why some children are clumsy yet others are able to perform skilled movements with ease? We are interested in understanding how the brain might explain these differences.

The School of Psychology at Deakin University is looking for healthy child participants with and without developmental disorder of movement aged 6-18 years and a guardian to attend two sessions: one at Deakin University and the other at the Melbourne Brain Centre (Howard Florey, Heidelberg). Children may have (or be suspected of having) developmental coordination disorder or ADHD, or otherwise present with typical motor abilities.

First, you will complete an online questionnaire asking you about your child’s general performance during everyday tasks and how they perform a range of everyday movement tasks. The link to the questionnaire can be found here:

https://researchsurveys.deakin.edu.au/jfe/form/SV_883aZERexi9sAhE

Your child may then be asked to attend two sessions. During the first, they will perform at set of movement activities and a series of short cognitive assessments, some while having their brain activity measured using a cap. In a second session, your child may be invited to take part in a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan that involves taking pictures of their brain.

You will receive $30 worth of Coles Myer vouchers to compensate you for your time in accompanying your child to each session. Participants who undertake the MRI portion of the project will be offered a ‘3D’ model of their brain as a memento of their participation

If you and your child would like to be involved, or to find out more, please email c.hyde@deakin.edu.au or call (03) 9244 6505.

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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.