My child hates to write. How do you keep children interested and writing for an entire class? Can a child really improve his or her handwriting in 6 camp classes? Why is this camp more expensive then the recreational camps? How long will my child need to take classes? How can I support my child’s progress during camp? Where has this camp been all my life? My child hates to write. How do you keep children interested and writing for an entire class? Children do not write the entire class. Each class consists of segments of handwriting instruction interspersed with segments of foundation skill activities. The foundation skill activities include a variety of indoor, outdoor, fine-motor, gross motor, visual, visual-motor, and sensory activities. The children (and parents) will learn how each activity can help their handwriting, but mostly the students will have FUN! Activities in past camps have included kickball, arts and crafts, charades, trampoline jumping, rock climbing, baking chocolate chip cookies, and the ever-popular "Water Week!" Your child will remember this as one of the best camps he or she has ever experienced. Can a child really improve his or her handwriting in 6 camp classes? Yes. The vast majority of students make significant progress in their skills during camp. The children are taught to attend to the components of legible handwriting in an engaging, non-threatening environment that also helps improve their self-esteem. Why is this camp more expensive then the recreational camps? At this camp, your child will be guided to improve his or her skills by Ms. Amy Carroll, an experienced Occupational Therapist who specializes in remediation of handwriting skills. Classes are intentionally kept small, so that your child’s instruction can be individually tailored to his or her specific needs. The therapist instructs each small group with enough trained support staff to provide your child with individual attention. How long will my child need to take classes? The number of classes your child needs will depend upon his or her unique situation. Some children come to one camp (a series of six classes), then take what they have learned and continue to practice on their own. Other children take additional classes after summer camp and some will continue working with the instructor throughout the school year. Often times, previous summer camp students will return to a fall “refresher” class, to learn cursive, or to learn new skills to help meet the demands of a new grade. Ms. Carroll, the Occupational Therapist and primary instructor, will advise parents on their child’s specific needs. How can I support my child’s progress during camp? Each week your child will have handwriting homework. You will receive a written note that describes the cues and instructional techniques your child received during the session. Also, at the close of each class, you will be given a note with your child’s folder, which describes additional activities that will improve your child’s foundation skills (e.g. fine-motor, visual motor, strengthening activities, etc.). You can best support your child’s progress by providing positive encouragement to complete homework and additional activities outside of camp. Where has this camp been all my life? Amy Carroll has been running handwriting camps in this region for the past 8 summers, and has been featured in The Philadelphia Inquirer for her work with children. This particular camp has been right here at West Chester Friends School for the past 4 years!