Handwriting challenges in children can stem from a variety of causes—fine motor skill delays, hand-eye coordination differences, or even emotional resistance to writing tasks. These hurdles can make writing feel frustrating or overwhelming for kids.
That’s where creativity meets therapy.
🧠 Meet Kelsie Olds, the “Occuplaytional Therapist”
Kelsie Olds turns handwriting therapy into imaginative play. Through games, crafts, and storytelling, they help children build writing skills in ways that feel fun—not forced.
But school-based therapy comes with its own set of challenges:
- Navigating multiple roles in the IEP team
- Limited support or pressure from home
- Classroom expectations
- Peer embarrassment and social dynamics
- Neurodiversity across students
- Language and communication barriers
- Medical complexities
🏫 A Conference That Understands
For 26 years, Education Resources, Inc. (ERI) has hosted the Therapies in the School Conference, designed to support therapists working in educational settings. This event brings together experts who understand the unique demands of school-based therapy.
One standout session this year?
“Making Writing Meaningful: Play-Based Therapy for Kids Who ‘Hate Writing’” led by Kelsie Olds.
🎲 Try These 3 Play-Based Handwriting Ideas
Want a sneak peek into Kelsie’s approach? Here are three playful activities that build writing skills:
- Locks and Keys Adventure
Use real locks and keys in a pretend escape room. This builds fine motor control and finger strength. - Waterslide Maze Tracing
Create a giant wall poster with twisty waterslide paths. Kids trace the slides to boost hand-eye coordination. - Magic Scrolls for Queen Bear
Write secret messages to help Queen Bear escape! Can your child teach her to hold a pencil like a human?
💬 Learn from the Best
Presenters at the Therapies in the School Conference are seasoned professionals eager to share practical, proven strategies. It’s all part of ERI’s mission: life-changing learning for therapists by therapists.
👉 Want to learn more or register?
Visit Therapies in the School 26th Annual Conference 2025 – Education Resources
GROUP DISCOUNTS AVAILABLE:
– $40 off each person for groups of 3 or more (auto applied at registration).
– $50 off each person for groups of 10 or more (contact the office for this rate).
– $60 off each person for groups of 15 or more (contact the office for this rate).
👥 PLUS!
Register 15+ participants together and receive a FREE on-demand course 🎁 (up to 3 contact hours) for each of your registrants. Reap all of the benefits of learning together + added value!
Call 800-487-6530.
STAY CONNECTED!
Join our Therapies in the School Discussion Group to connect with other school therapists. Network, share ideas, ask questions, share clinical challenges, receive recommendations, discuss newest research or hot topics all within this group.