Top 10 Questions About Handwriting

Presented by Denise Donica, DHSc, OTR/L, BCP, FAOTA; and Valerie Zaryczny, OTR/L
Sponsored by Learning Without Tears

Watch the Recording

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Handwriting remains the primary method of communication for students in the classroom. Children who master the mechanics of handwriting enjoy writing and will write more often. 

During this edWebinar, Dr. Denise Donica and Valerie Zaryczny explore:

• Why handwriting is still important
• How multisensory instruction supports different learning styles
• Strategies that make handwriting fun and easy to teach and to learn
• How to select, use, and integrate technology and interactive media tools in intentional and developmentally appropriate ways

This is an introductory edWebinar and perfect for educators who want a refresher on readiness strategies. K-5 teachers, principals, vice principals, curriculum directors, and ELA curriculum directors are invited to watch this recorded event.

About the Presenters
Dr. Denise Donica completed her Doctor of Health Science and Master of Health Science in occupational therapy at the University of Indianapolis in 2007 and 2005, respectively. She also holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology/criminal justice and occupational therapy from Indiana University. Dr. Donica is an associate professor in the Occupational Therapy Department at East Carolina University in Greenville, North Carolina. Dr. Donica’s focus of clinical practice has been with the pediatric population through school system and outpatient practice. She also has experience using Handwriting Without Tears by Learning Without Tears™ via telehealth. She has been using the curriculum for almost 15 years and is a Level 1 certified handwriting specialist through Handwriting Without Tears. She is currently a consultant and National Workshop Presenter in addition to her faculty position. She has conducted and published research related to student success and handwriting skills. She has also presented nationally and internationally on handwriting-related research.

Valerie Zaryczny received her Master’s of Science in Occupational Therapy from Washington University in St. Louis. She has over 13 years of experience providing occupational therapy to children of all ages in schools and clinics, and through early intervention services. The most rewarding part of her job has always been helping children improve their handwriting skills. Valerie started using the Handwriting Without Tears curriculum in 2005, and she became Level 1 Certified in 2007. She enjoys providing private handwriting tutoring for children and sharing her passion about handwriting as a Learning Without Tears National Workshop Presenter. She is also a lead occupational therapist for a local therapy company. Valerie lives in the Greenville, SC area with her husband and two children.

Join the Crayons, Pencils, and Keyboards community to network with educators, participate in online discussions, receive invitations to upcoming webinars, view past edWebinars, take a quiz to receive a CE certificate for a past edWebinar, and access free resources.

 Learning Without Tears™ provides educators and families with kindergarten readiness, handwriting, and keyboarding materials, products, and training.