School-based occupational therapists (OTs) have many tricks up their sleeves – slant boards being one of them! When I am working on a student on fine motor development skills or handwriting, I often use this tool. This blog is to educate readers on how a slanted surface can support fine motor precision and improve handwriting! Slant boards support the following skills:
- Wrist extension & mature grasp
- Visual attention/tracking with a high line of vision
- Forearm stabilization & proper writing posture
Slant Boards Support Pencil Grasp
Wrist extension while holding a writing utensil supports a mature pencil grasp. Children are less likely to “fist” the pencil or use movement from the “pinky” side of their hand in this position. You can achieve this position by taping worksheets up on the wall or even laying under the table to coloring on paper table above the students on the underside of the table! Pair a slant board with a pencil gripper and/or adapted paper [as pictured above] if the student is still struggling to achieve a mature grasp pattern.
Slant Boards Support Visual Attention
Some students, especially those with convergence insufficiencies, may have trouble visually focusing on reading or writing when it in on their desk. Their eyes need to converge to focus on something on their desk. A slant board brings the paper upwards closer to their natural line of vision. By reducing potential eye strain, students may be better able to visual track while reading. You may see improved endurance when completing written tasks as well.
Slant Boards Support Proper Positioning
Students should rest their forearm of their dominant hand on the surface while writing and use their fingers to produce the movement. This requires intrinsic hand muscles and fine motor skill discussed in my blog on practical pencil grasp tips for teachers! The non-dominant hand should hold the paper to prevent it from sliding around. If the student is unable to do the, the clips at the top of the slant board can stabilize the paper for them! Slant boards can also promote students to sit more upright in their seats. Have a student who slumps down, or lays their head on their paper? Try a slant board! Check out Taylor’s blog on proper positioning during virtual learning for more in depth information about how students should be seated and/or my pre-writing blog series for more information on core strength and shoulder stability that are important prerequisites for appropriate pencil grasp!
Don’t feel like you need to purchase an expensive slant board! You can always turn a 3 ring binder on its side! Check out my Instagram Reel on how to use the Attento Board to DIY a slant board [they can be kind of pricey!]. Pair the slant board with some FREE Simply Special Ed resources for a budge friendly way to work on these skills. Leave any question in the comments!
