OT With Me
FAQ
Is this the right program for my child?

We all know children love to play, and that’s exactly what they’ll be doing in Adventures in Handwriting. They’ll be strengthening their skills through age appropriate fine motor, handwriting and object manipulation activities and games. AIH is for every child, no matter their ability or skill level. The program is designed for children between the ages of 4 and 7 years old. However, it’s never too early or too late to start building your child's confidence and strengthening their skills through play. As long as your child can follow simple directions, they’ll be flying through each adventure.

What kinds of activities will my child be doing on an adventure?

During all of the lessons, your child will be using their creativity, imagination and of course their hands! Activities vary from adventure to adventure, keeping children on their toes and eager for more. Each lesson includes 3-4 activities that incorporate 4 essential developmental skills: fine motor, gross motor, sensory processing and academic skills. Children will be working on their fine motor skills through building with manipulatives and using tweezers, sharpening their visual perceptual skills with games like eye spy and find the missing letter lines and targeting their sensory processing skills through upside down games and writing in sand trays. They’ll have multiple opportunities to practice drawing and writing using different tactile materials like tissue paper and wiki stix, as well as using specific child friendly writing paper. 

I’m not a teacher! Where do I start? What do I do first?

You can’t go wrong with any of the programs! But, we will help guide you in the right direction. For younger children around 4 years old, who are showing interest in drawing or writing, it is recommended to start with the Ready, Set, Write: Lines and Shapes Program. For older children, around 4 ½ - 7 years old, who have mastered lines and shapes and are ready to start writing their ABC’s, the Uppercase Letter Program is recommended. All kids are unique and learn at a different pace. Always follow your child’s lead and begin where they are. Need some guidance? Feel free to email us with any questions to support@otwithme.com.

I’m afraid of teaching my child something different than what they're learning in school. Will this confuse them?

Not at all! This program is complementary and supportive of the curriculum your child is learning in school. From learning how to properly hold your pencil to writing your name in between the lines, all of the activities are designed to build basic foundational skills that your child has either already learned in school or will be learning soon. The program gives your child opportunities to practice and master everything they’re learning in school. Soon, they’ll be teaching you! 

What if I don’t have an Adventure Kit? What materials do you need to watch the videos?

Since the Adventure Kit includes all of the materials used on each adventure for all programs, it’s recommended that each child have their own kit. However, many of the activities can be done in more ways than one. Feel free to find something in your house that’s similar to what we’re using. Everyone will need to bring their own blank paper, markers and crayons. A list of materials will be included at the beginning of each video, so you have time to get everything you need ready.  

My child is so active. Will they be able to get through an entire adventure?

Without a doubt, yes! Adventures are filled with interactive and engaging  activities that will have them asking for more. There are opportunities for lots of movement on each adventure, so your child won’t get antsy sitting in their chair. Each video is between 15-25 minutes, but feel free to pause the video for a snack or stretch break.  

Uh oh, another work call and dinner still isn’t made! Can my child watch the videos by themself?

Absolutely! Each video is interactive and designed in a simple follow along manner. The programs are intended to be completed independently, however we recommend staying nearby in case your child's marker runs out of ink or they need help pausing the video. A list of materials is provided at the start of each video, making it quick and easy for you to get everything you need set up to ensure dinner and that important call can go smoothly. 

Help! I lost an item from the starter kit.

Don’t panic! Email us at support@otwithme.com and we’ll give you some options to replace the item. In the meantime, get creative! Find something similar in your house to use temporarily. Kids benefit from learning in a variety of ways. Using different materials can help teach them flexibility and carryover of skills.  

I work at a school and would love for my students to start this program! What do I do next?

Join the adventure! Email us at melissa@otwithme.com and we can talk more. We’ll get your students set up with their very own Adventure Kit so they can begin. We can customize any program to fit your school's needs, just reach out. 

What if my child does not need Occupational Therapy? Can they still use the program?

Adventures in Handwriting was created for ALL children to work on developing and improving their skills. There is no need for a diagnosis, previous or current Occupational Therapy services. It doesn't matter if your child is having difficulty with a specific skill, or not. Children innately want to show their autonomy and do things independently; this program supports those desires. AIH isn’t just for children. It’s for parents who want to help their kids practice their fine motor and handwriting skills, but don’t know how or where to start.

I've always had some concerns about the way my child holds a writing utensil - and a fork or spoon come to think of it! I have some questions and need some guidance. Can you help?
That's what we’re here for! We are always available to answer any and all questions. No question is too small. We have tons of tips, tricks and simple kid friendly strategies to solve just about anything. If you’re looking for more than online videos, please reach out about the other services we provide. We specialize in pediatric occupational therapy and want to share our knowledge and expertise with you. 
How can I continue to help build my child's skills beyond each adventure?

Check out our Resources Page to keep the adventure going!