This CEU program consists of 4 streaming videos. Some of the information in this program (FM1, FM2, FM3-4) is included in the longer seminar SEM11A2.

FM1 Assessment of Hand Skills in the Primary Child (38 min.)

Presented by Mary Benbow, M.S., OTR. Assessing the structure and function of the hand is the first step in identifying specific hand function and writing skill areas requiring attention. This video demonstrates Mary Benbow's protocol for assessing developmental hand function. Forearm and wrist stabilization, separation of the two sides of the hand, arch and web stabilization, precision translation, and rotation are discussed and demonstrated. This video demonstrates efficient hand function and contrasts that with problem examples for each item of the assessment.

Presented by Mary Benbow, M.S., OTR. This video demonstrates the assessment protocol for evaluating cursive writing skills. Range, stability of the structure of the hand, proximal control of the upper extremity, speed and consistency of reproduction, and typical writing problems are discussed. Each item in the assessment protocol is demonstrated with contrasting analysis of efficient and problem performance.

Presented by Mary Benbow, M.S., OTR. Development of good structure and stability of the hand is critical for achieving functional use of the hand. In addition to relevant anatomy of the wrist and hand, this developmental hand program presents activities that promote proximal stability, opening and stabilizing the thumb web space, and development and stabilization of the arches of the hand. These activities provide an effective approach to improving the strength and structure of the hand as preparation for developing fine motor skills and efficient cursive writing skills. In addition, development of good structure and stability of the hand is critical for achieving functional use of the hand. Activities are presented that motorically dissociate the two sides of the hand, isolate skill to the most advantageous motor unit(s), develop precision rotation and translation of the digits. These activities provide an effective approach to improving the strength and structure of the hand as preparation for developing fine motor skills and efficient cursive writing skills.

Presented by Mary Benbow, M.S., OTR. Kinesthetic awareness is an important factor in pre-writing preparation. Kinesthetic training assists in reducing the need for visual-motor monitoring which often interferes with speed and fluidity in writing skills. Automatic awareness that a movement is correct is primary for allowing cognitive attention to learning without conflicting attention to motor organization.

1. Describe the primary areas of observation involved in the hands skill assessment.

2. Describe the observations involved in the assessment of cursive writing skills.

3. List the major muscles of the hand and wrist required for efficient fine motor control.

4. Describe the activities designed to promote proximal stability, opening and stabilizing the thumb web space, and development and stabilization of the arches of the hand.

5. Describe the activities designed to promote dissociation of the two sides of the hand, isolation of skill to the most advantageous motor unit(s), develop precision rotation and translation of the digits.

6. Describe activities that promote kinesthetic fine motor skills.