Understanding Dysgraphia: Tools and Strategies for Homeschoolers

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We're diving deep into the world of dysgraphia with our special guest, Cheri Dotterer. Cheri and I first connected through a shared passion for handwriting education, and our journey since has led to fruitful discussions and collaborations. Cheri shares her insightful journey from recognizing her own child's struggles with spelling to exploring the intricate connections between giftedness and learning disabilities, particularly dysgraphia. We'll walk through the neurological underpinnings of writing challenges, dive into the concept of flow states, and explore practical interventions for improving writing skills. She also talks about her groundbreaking work with both handwriting and math education, including her popular book, Handwriting Brain-Body Disconnect, and offers valuable resources like the Dysgraphia Checklist. Lets jump right in!

In this episode you'll hear about:

• Sarah and Cheri explain how they met and their work together.
• Book: Handwriting Brain Body Disconnect
• Flow State in Learning
• Definition and explanation of flow state.
• Impact of flow state on writing skills.
• Difference between automatic writing and explicitly taught writing.
• Dysgraphia
• Defining dysgraphia.
• Different types of dysgraphia.
• The neurological, language, and cognitive developmental hierarchy of writing skills.
• Interventions and Tools for Dysgraphia
• Addressing memory and visual perception issues.
• Discussion of tools like Real OT Solutions’ alpha triangle.
• The importance of memory and visual perception in overcoming writing issues.
• Fine Motor Skills and Writing
• Using Otter AI for creating motivated writing prompts.
• The Charlotte Mason method in homeschooling.
• Providing confidence to parents in recognizing effective education methods.

Links and Resources From Today's Show

• Why Should I Seek Occupational Therapy?
• AlphaTrangle
• Dysgraphia Checklist
• HWBBD Book
• HWBBD Paperback
• Join Cheri's FB Group
• Connect With Cheri on Linkedin
• The Writing Glitch Podcast
• Dotterer Educational Consulting
• Brain Body Disconnect Guide
• Narration: A Path To Thoughtful Learning
• Episode 5: Beyond 20/20 vision: understanding crucial aspects of visual assessment in children
• Episode 6: Harnessing the Great Outdoors for Visual Development and Learning
• Episode 7: How Form Drawing Supports Vision, Handwriting, and Academics
• Episode 8: Beyond the Pencil: Exploring Vision's Impact on Homeschool Handwriting Success
• Episode 21: Exploring Primitive Reflexes: From Birth to Integration
• Episode 22: Supporting Children Through Play-Based Reflex Integration
• Episode 23: Blending Sensory Integration and Fitness for Better Handwriting
• Episode 24: Understanding the Handwriting Journey: Tools and Techniques for Homeschoolers
• Episode 37: Reading, Writing, and Growing: The Bigger Picture of Developing Fine Motor Skills in Children
• Connect With Sarah on Instagram

Connect with our Guest, Cheri Dotterer

Battling writing challenges firsthand, Cheri has emerged as a global authority, pioneering innovative, neuroscience-backed strategies to overcome dysgraphia seamlessly within the classroom setting. Author of "Handwriting Brain-Body DisConnect" and contributor to seminal works, she’s set to release "Math DYS-connected," co-authored with Jonily Zupancic. She owns Dotterer Educational Consulting and The Writing Glitch Podcast. Living with her husband and son, Cheri's experiences fuel her passion to revolutionize learning. They also have a daughter in grad school.

Connect with Cheri on her website here and follow her on Instagram