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We're reframing handwriting as more than just pen-to-paper—it's a foundational skill that shapes how children learn, organize their thoughts, and even pay attention. In homeschooling, we have the flexibility to adapt instruction, but that also means making deliberate choices about how—and when—we build these core skills. You'll hear practical ways to approach handwriting without getting stuck in extremes, and we'll discuss how technology and multi-sensory methods can coexist to support your child's development.

This conversation matters because the tools your child uses—whether it's a pencil, a laptop, or a speech-to-text app—each offer something unique. Handwriting isn't outdated; it's a critical layer in your child's learning toolkit, helping them think more clearly and keep their ideas organized as they grow.

In this episode you'll hear about:

Multi-Sensory and Neurodevelopmental Approach
Explanation of the neurodevelopmental (neurofirming) approach
Importance of engaging multiple senses in learning
Using gross motor, body movement, and heavy work activities before sitting for tasks
Incorporating multi-sensory materials: shaving cream, types of paper, chalkboards
Homeschooling Experiences
Leslie Catlett's nine years homeschooling her children
Differences between her two sons' learning styles (bookworm vs. kinesthetic learner)
Benefits of homeschooling for offering breaks and movement opportunities
Handwriting Instruction in Homeschool
Daily formal handwriting instruction (5–10 minutes per day)
Importance of explicit teaching (step-by-step verbal/visual cues)
Not just tracing, but teaching letter formation, sizing, spacing, placement
Research supporting explicit handwriting instruction
Use of diverse materials (chalk, chalkboard, vertical surfaces)
The Significance of Handwriting in the Digital Age
Handwriting as a foundational skill—more than just putting letters on paper
Handwriting as a "full brain workout"
Cognitive benefits: engagement of hands, eyes, and brain; boosts attention, memory, learning
Differences between writing by hand and typing
Challenges with Handwriting for Fast Thinkers
Students whose thoughts move faster than their physical writing abilities
Strategies: using technology (recording or transcribing thoughts) to separate idea generation from handwriting
Motor Skills, Self-Regulation, and Perfectionism
Relationship between motor skills, cognition, memory, and comprehension
Practicing fine motor control, coordination, motor planning, and sensory feedback
Avoiding perfectionism: accepting mistakes, not over-emphasizing erasing
Using pens or pencils without erasers to maintain flow of thought
Integrating Technology: AI and Assistive Tools
Perspective on handwriting vs. technology (not anti-tech, but balanced)
How dictation, predictive text, and tablets can support struggling students
Technology for access, but not for building foundational motor/sensory skills
Autocorrection reliance and its potential impact on spelling development
Pacing: Handwriting Slows Down, Technology Speeds Up
Slowing down cognitive processes via handwriting vs. speeding up with screens
Helping kids adjust to slower, more mindful pacing for foundational skill development
Breaking tasks into manageable chunks; use of graphic organizers

Links and Resources From Today's Show

Thank you to our title sponsor for this episode, Lovevery. You can check out their products and resources here.

Connect With Our Guest, Leslie Catlett

Leslie Catlett, MS, OTR/L is the founder of The Penmanship Lab, where she helps children build confident, functional handwriting skills that support learning. A pediatric occupational therapist and mom of two, Leslie understands that handwriting challenges are often about much more than letters on paper. She brings a warm, individualized approach to working with children with ADHD, dysgraphia, dyslexia, and autism, focusing on the why behind each child's difficulties and creating engaging strategies that make writing more manageable and meaningful.

Leslie has a variety of experience in acute inpatient/outpatient, virtual/school based practice. Currently as of 2021, she provides in-person and remote OT services and consultation for K-12 students across the U.S. and internationally. Leslie collaborates closely with school teams and families through IEP/504 plans while providing OT services. Leslie's work has been featured in Good Day Columbus, Good Neighbor Podcast, ShoutoutDFW, and Voyage Dallas. In addition, The Penmanship Lab received the 2021-24 mom Approved Award from DFWChild magazine. Leslie is passionate about providing children with the tools necessary to create inclusive learning environments in which children feel worthy, confident and celebrate all accomplishments, however small they may be.

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