Shortly after publication, a transcript of this episode will be published on SpecialEd.fm.
Host: Dana Jonson Guest: Cheri Dotterer Title: Handwriting Specialist, Dysgraphia Consultant, and Author Cheri Dotterer is a renowned handwriting specialist and dysgraphia consultant with an extensive background in occupational therapy. As an author and educator, she has dedicated her career to providing practical strategies and interventions for individuals with dysgraphia, blending educational neuroscience with compassionate, individualized support.
Introduction: In this episode, Dana Jonson welcomes Cheri Dotterer, a handwriting specialist and dysgraphia consultant, to discuss dysgraphia and the broader impacts of handwriting challenges on students with specific learning disabilities. Cheri shares her journey into this field, her experience working with students and educators, and innovative strategies for addressing emotional, cognitive, and physical challenges in written expression.
Episode Summary: Dana and Cheri dig into dysgraphia, exploring its definition, causes, and the challenges students face with writing. Cheri explains how handwriting difficulties go beyond basic letter formation, affecting students’ ability to communicate effectively in writing. She also highlights her six-part “IMPACT” framework, which focuses on emotional aspects like interoception, the hidden “eighth sense” that connects physical and emotional awareness. The episode covers specific strategies educators and parents can use to support children with dysgraphia, including multisensory techniques and practical classroom interventions.
Key Discussion Points: * Cheri’s journey from occupational therapy to dysgraphia consulting * Defining dysgraphia: Challenges in written expression, from letter formation to sentence structure * Understanding interoception and its impact on emotional regulation and learning * The importance of addressing the emotional barriers in handwriting development * Cheri’s six-part “IMPACT” framework (Interoception, Motor planning, Perception, Attention, Cognition, and Thought organization) * Strategies for teaching handwriting, such as bilateral integration exercises and air writing * How teachers can implement tiered support systems (Tier 1, 2, and 3) to accommodate students with different needs * The use of technology, including Otter.ai, for students who struggle with written expression * Preview of Cheri’s upcoming books, including Math Disconnected and her passion project based on the Book of Esther
Guest's Insights and Advice: * Addressing handwriting difficulties requires a holistic approach that incorporates emotional, sensory, and cognitive factors. * Teachers can support students with dysgraphia by incorporating multisensory methods like air writing and bilateral integration into classroom routines. * Using speech-to-text software, such as Otter.ai, can help students express their ideas without the barrier of writing. * Parents and educators should focus on emotional awareness in children, especially how they feel about and respond to writing tasks.
Resources Mentioned: * Books: + Handwriting Brain-Body Disconnect by Cheri Dotterer + Becoming You (Anthology, includes Cheri’s contribution) + The Routledge International Handbook of Visual-Motor Skills, Handwriting, and Spelling (Cheri’s chapter on handwriting in special education)
Call to Action: * Educators and parents: try the bilateral integration exercises Cheri shared to help students engage both sides of the brain while writing. * Parents: consider exploring the resources on Cheri’s website for further support and intervention ideas.
Engagement and Sharing: * Share the Episode with a Friend: Encourage friends or family who could benefit from dysgraphia resources to listen. * Leave a Review: Help others discover SpecialEd.fm by leaving a review on your favorite podcast platform. * Follow Cheri on Social Media: Sherry Dotterer’s website for updates on books, webinars, and resources. * Follow Dana Jonson on Social Media: Connect with Dana for more episodes and special education insights.
Memorable Quote: “Writing is not just about forming letters on a page; it’s a deeply complex process involving emotion, language, and coordination. For students with dysgraphia, each step can be a challenge, but with the right strategies, they can find their path to expression.” – Cheri Dotterer