Frequently Asked Questions

Below: handwriting | listening | workshop

Handwriting Questions

  1. How do I know if my child needs help with handwriting? Does your child complain about completing activities that require handwriting, complains that his/her hand is tired, starts letters/numbers from the bottom, has difficulty writing on the line, does not put spaces between words, puts too much space between letters, has an irregular grip on a pencil, reverses letters, or overall has illegible handwriting? If so, your child may benefit from listenWRITE shineBRIGHT handwriting services!
    Complete the Handwriting Information Form. Then contact listenWRITE shineBRIGHT to schedule an evaluation. Based on the results of the evaluation, group or individual sessions will be recommended for the summer.
  2. What is entailed in the handwriting evaluation? The Print Tool was specifically designed by Handwriting Without Tears. It is not a standardized assessment. However, it looks at eight components of printing: memory, orientation, placement, size, start, sequence, control, and spacing. These skills are analyzed through looking at your child's work from school and observing a handwriting session. A formal report explains the eight components or printing, how your child scored, and what areas need improvement. The Print Tool provides a very comprehensive look at your child's printing skills. There will also be a specialized remediation form to address the areas that need to be improved.
  3. Is there an evaluation for cursive? At this time, Handwriting Without Tears has not developed a cursive evaluation tool, but there are several other cursive handwriting evaluations that can be used.
  4. How long should daily handwriting practice be at home? It is recommended that a student engage in supervised handwriting practice for 5-10 minutes each day. Remember that more is not always better. Practice should always be fun so that your child will want to learn!
  5. What if my child is learning a different curriculum than Handwriting Without Tears at school? Some of the basic components that lead to proficient handwriting are the same across curricula. The Print Tool assessment recognizes all handwriting styles and every effort will be made to assist the student in mastering the curriculum used in their school. However, oftentimes students who struggle with other types of handwriting find the simplicity of the Handwriting Without Tears method easier to master. In addition, Kim is now certified in the REVISED 2012 edition of the Zaner Bloser Handwriting method. This new edition provides a multisensory approach!
  6. Why are small pencils and crayons used? Small pencils and crayons are used to encourage a tripod grasp which will produce a more legible and efficient writing style.
  7. Why is a vertical style of print used (compared to a slanted approach)? A vertical style is more familiar to children and it is developmentally easier to learn and write.
  8. How can I purchase materials? Materials can be ordered through Handwriting Without Tears. If you are interested in the Zaner Bloser style, Kim can provide you with the contact information for the NY ZB Sales Representative.

Listening Questions

  1. What is the role of the listener? The listener will progress through each CD/Program on a listening schedule. Each CD/Program contains four 15-minute modules that total up to one hour per CD/Program. The listener will be repeating the modules to achieve 2 ½ hours of listening before they proceed to the next CD/Program. Each CD/Program builds on the previous one. The listener repeats this pattern until all CDs/Programs have been listened to for a complete listening schedule of 25 hours of listening over the course of 10 to 20 weeks, depending on the individual schedule suggested by the TLP Provider. Each CD/Program contains the full spectrum of music present in our recordings within the frequency ranges of 20 Hz-20,000 Hz (20 kHz), so listeners will be exercising the full range of their ability to process sound.
  2. How long does the program last? The initial listening plan will take place over the course of at least a few months, followed by maintenance listening to build on specific benefits. As listenWRITE shineBRIGHT monitors progress, we will often make adjustments throughout the listening plan to meet individual needs.
  3. How often do you have to listen? After an initial client intake, we will determine an appropriate, individual listening plan. Generally, listeners will use TLP once or twice a day for 15 minutes, five days a week.
  4. Do you offer Distance Monitoring? Yes, I am able to complete the initial client intake and consultation via telephone or email if you do not live in the Broome County area.
  5. What kind of headphones do we need? High-quality headphones are an essential component to a successful TLP program. They are required to deliver the program with accurate sound details. Advanced Brain Technologies tests the headphones for use with TLP and insist that only approved models are used to ensure that the listener gets the most from their program. More Information...
  6. How can I order the equipment? The equipment can be purchased through listenWRITE shineBRIGHT. Only certified providers of The Listening Program may sell the equipment to ensure that the program is used appropriately.
  7. How do I find out how much the program costs? Contact us to receive a list of costs and fees. There are several options.
  8. What happens if I miss days or weeks between listening? Whatever the listening schedule, consistency on the part of the listener is critical. For lasting change, casual exposure to auditory stimulation will not produce results. The brain must be frequently and repetitively presented with specific auditory stimulation, with the right intensity, and for a sufficient duration of time for effective change. listenWRITE shineBRIGHT will give you recommendations on how to make up listening sessions.
  9. What happens if my child doesn't want to listen, doesn't like the headphones, or doesn't like the music? In these cases listeners have the option to do "preparatory listening," which may be necessary for young clients who need to build up to 15 minutes a day, children with severe difficulties wearing headphones, or those just getting used to classical music. The music is played on speakers while the child is performing an activity. With our assistance the vast majority of children will eventually enjoy the program and tolerate the headphones.

Workshop Questions

  1. How long are the workshops? Workshops can be designed to fit your needs. However, most local workshops are approximately 2 hours. MultiSensory Handwriting full day workshops are available for approximately 6-7 hours. This course can also be spread across 1-3 days.
  2. Can you travel to present workshops? Yes, Kim is very willing to travel to various places. However, travel expenses (mileage, flights, etc.) will need to be added to the cost of the workshop.
  3. When are you available to present workshops? For local workshops during the school year Kim is available after 3pm and on weekends. During the summer months, her schedule is more flexible to present during the work day.
  4. Are you available for consultation? Yes, consultation services are available one-on-one or to small groups of parents/teachers/etc. Consultation services are $60/hour. These may be beneficial to you if you have a child with OT needs, but are unable to pay for services on a regular basis.
  5. Are you able to provide me with a handout from the workshop? We can only provide manuals and handouts for people that attended the specific workshop.

Please visit the Handwriting Without Tears website for more information about their curriculum. The Print Tool™ and Handwriting Without Tears® are trademarks of Handwriting Without Tears / Jan Olsen.