HANDWRITING
Handwriting Help for Kids in Ottawa
Writing by hand asks a lot of a young child. At Ottawa OT, our registered occupational therapists help children and youth build the skills behind printing and handwriting. Our OTs are registered with the College of Occupational Therapists of Ontario (COTO). We come to your home or your child's school, or meet online, anywhere in Ottawa.
What handwriting involves
Handwriting looks simple, but it draws on many skills working together. A child needs a steady posture at the table and enough hand strength to hold a pencil. They need to see and remember letter shapes. They also need to plan the movements that form each letter and place it on the line.
Handwriting skills include:
Pencil grip and pressure
Letter formation and sizing
Spacing between letters and words
Writing on the line
Copying from the board or a page
Speed and stamina for longer writing tasks
Our occupational therapists look at each of these pieces. That way, we can see what is making writing hard and where to start.
Signs your child may benefit from handwriting support
Every child develops at their own pace. Still, you might notice some of these signs at home, or hear about them from a teacher:
Your child avoids drawing, colouring or writing
Their hand gets tired or sore quickly
They grip the pencil very tightly or in an awkward way
Letters are often reversed, very large or hard to read
Words run together with no spaces
Copying from the board takes a long time
They have lots of ideas but struggle to get them on paper
Writing homework often ends in frustration or tears
If a few of these sound familiar, an occupational therapy assessment can help you understand what is going on.
How our OTs help with handwriting
Our paediatric occupational therapy starts with an initial assessment. Your OT looks at your child's grip, posture, fine motor skills, visual skills and letter formation. They also listen to your concerns. With your permission, they can include what teachers are seeing too.
Next, we set clear goals together. Goals focus on what matters in your child's day, such as finishing a journal entry or writing their name on artwork.
Therapy is then planned as a 10-session block. Working in blocks gives your child time to build skills step by step. It also lets your OT track progress and adjust the plan along the way. We offer session blocks only, not single drop-in visits, so your child gets steady, consistent support.
During sessions, your OT may work on:
Hand strength and finger control through play
Comfortable pencil grips and tools that suit your child
Letter formation using hands-on, multi-sensory activities
Spacing, sizing and placing letters on the line
Posture and seating set-up for writing
After every session, you receive a written debrief. It explains what we worked on, how your child responded and simple ideas to try at home.
Bingo Books: practice between sessions
Skills grow with regular practice. That's why our care includes Bingo Books. These are custom OT activity guides inspired by bingo. Your child picks activities from their card and checks them off as they go. Each activity is matched to your child's goals, so practice feels more like a game than homework.
Where handwriting sessions happen
Ottawa OT is a mobile practice. We come to you, anywhere in Ottawa.
At home: Your child works in a familiar space, at the table and with the tools they use every day.
At school: With the school's permission, your OT can see how your child writes in the classroom. We can also share practical ideas with teachers.
Online: Virtual sessions can work well for many handwriting goals. Your OT guides you and your child through activities on screen.
Your OT can help you choose the setting that fits your child's goals and your family's schedule.
Handwriting often connects to other skills. You may also want to read about fine motor skills, school readiness and executive function and attention. For information on payment and coverage, visit our funding page.
Handwriting therapy FAQ
What age can a child start handwriting therapy?
We see children and youth of many ages. Younger children often work on pre-writing skills, like drawing lines and shapes. Older children may work on legibility, speed or keyboarding alongside handwriting.
Is handwriting still important when kids use computers?
Children still write by hand at school, especially in the early grades. Your OT can also talk with you about when typing or other tools might help your child.
Can sessions be in French?
French is available with some therapists. Let us know your child's school language when you reach out, and we'll talk about options.
How will I know how my child is doing?
Your OT sets goals with you at the start and reviews them during the block. The written debrief after each session keeps you informed along the way.
Is this the same as pediatric OT?
Yes. The two spellings mean the same thing. Both describe occupational therapy for children and youth.
Book a free 15-minute call
Wondering if handwriting support is the right fit for your child? Let's talk. In a free 15-minute call, you can share your concerns and ask questions. We'll explain how our assessment and session blocks work.
Related reading
Browse all our Parent Guides.
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Book a free 15-minute call
Call 613-797-9644 or email support@ottawaot.com to book a free 15-minute call. There is no obligation.