Handwriting Coach
Turn handwriting tears
into handwriting cheers!
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Individualized handwriting tutoring using research- based, multi-sensory programs to overcome the frustration of messy handwriting and to build confidence for success with written work
Does your child struggle with:
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messy handwriting
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irregular letter formation, size or line placement
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avoiding writing tasks
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letter and number reversals​
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writing slower than peers
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awkard pencil grasp
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I CAN HELP​
Studies show that handwriting instruction improves legibility and fluency through grade 9. (Graham & Santangelo, 2012)
Common Core emphasizes written composition and keyboarding-it omits handwriting (both print & cursive) as a specific skill. This has led to decreased time spent on handwriting instruction in many schools.
Writing letters by hand has been proven to help children recognize and remember letters more easily than if they typed.
(James, 2012; Longcamp et al. 2005; Berninger et al, 2002,2006; NCHD, 2000).
Neural activity in children who practiced printing was far more advanced than in children who just looked at the letters.
(James & atwood, 2009, James & Gauthier, 2006; James, Wang, & Jobard, 2010;Longcamp et al, 2006)
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As many as 3 out of 10 kids struggle to write clearly
(Bonneton-Botte et al., 2023)
Kids who get early handwriting help learn faster, write neater, and feel better about school.
(Graham et al., 2011; Feder & Majnemer, 2007)
My Mission
My goal is to help every student develop handwriting proficiency, so they can feel confident and successful in their writing skills.
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Handwriting is a complex process that draws on sensory-motor, fine motor, visual-perceptual, and neuromuscular systems. Because of this complexity, many children struggle—especially when they haven’t received adequate instruction or practice. In recent years, less classroom time has been devoted to handwriting, which has led to challenges such as poor letter formation, inconsistent size and spacing, and reduced fluency.
I address these foundational areas by targeting visual-perceptual, visual-motor, and fine motor skills—all essential for confident, legible handwriting. I also use evidence-based, research-supported techniques and multisensory methods to help children become capable, comfortable writers.
Hi, I'm Shelly Burgener, an Occupational Therapist, handwriting specialist, and most importantly a mom of four kids. My passion for handwriting is deeply personal as I have three kids with dyslexia and dysgraphia.
I understand firsthand the frustration kids feel when writing is messy, slow, or overwhelming and the stress parents feel when their child struggles to get ideas on paper. That lived experience drives my commitment to making handwriting less of a battle and more of a success story through offering handwriting tutoring services.
