Art in school readiness
School assumes a child can sit, hold a mark-maker and finish a short task. Art is often how we practise those without calling it handwriting homework.
Written by the Inclusive Developmental and Therapy Center therapy team · medically reviewed by Dr Muhammad Suffyan, MB BS (GMC 8023727) · Last reviewed September 2026
What school actually uses
A short sit. A crayon or pencil that stays in the hand. Starting and stopping. That is the overlap with school readiness and Akasha on reading and writing readiness.
What we do not do
We do not drill worksheets as the first move. If handwriting is the wall after school has started, see dysgraphia and motor skills.
Pencil control is a floor, not a worksheet
Grip, sitting and a mark that ends sit under handwriting. More copying from the board will not build those floors. Motor skills, with the same OT honesty: motor and daily skills. Dysgraphia: dysgraphia.
Akasha’s literacy page is pre-reading and pencil when those are kind: reading and writing readiness. School readiness programme: school readiness.
What to write the teacher
One ask: let them write answers only, or photograph the board, for ten days. Put it in the letter. If they will not try it, we still write the dated trial.
What to write the teacher
One small paper that finishes, or photograph the board, for ten days. Letter to school. Motor honesty: motor and daily skills.
One small paper that finishes
Colouring-in that never ends is not task completion. Grip, sitting and a mark that ends are the floor under handwriting. More copying from the board will not build those floors. Handwriting, dysgraphia, copying from the board.
Ask the teacher: answers only, or photograph the board, for ten days. Letter. We do not employ a registered art therapist. School-readiness sitting: sitting.
The idea behind the work (in the books)
Grip, sitting and a mark that ends are the floor under handwriting — not more colouring-in.
Exner — fingers that can move
A fist grip will not become handwriting by copying from the board. Build the hand first.
Novak and Honan — task-specific practice
Short, finished marks beat a page that never ends. We do not staff licensed OT.
What the research tells us
This isn’t just our opinion — it’s grounded in published research. Here are a few findings from trusted, independent sources:
Novak and Honan’s systematic review of paediatric occupational therapy found strong evidence that task-specific handwriting practice improves handwriting. That is about repeated, specific practice of the skill — not a claim that Inclusive delivers licensed occupational therapy.
— Novak and Honan, Australian Occupational Therapy Journal (2019). View source
Take a worksheet home
Print one sheet. Fill it in this week. Bring it to the consultation — a consultation is Rs 1,500 and lasts up to 50 minutes.
Motor skills checklist
Big movements, small ones, and everyday self-care.
Home practice log
One skill, a few minutes, one line of what happened. Bring it next time.
School-readiness checklist
Sitting, waiting, a two-step instruction — tick ordinary days, not the best afternoon.
Book a consultation
Contact owner Muhammad Salman Afzal first. No referral needed. A consultation is Rs 1,500 and lasts up to 50 minutes.
School — questions parents ask
Will this get them ready to write their name?
It can build the sit and the grip. Writing their name is a later goal, not the entry ticket.
The school wants more worksheets.
We can help you write a one-page ask. Start with the letter to school.
The school wants more colouring-in.
Colouring-in that never ends is not task completion. We would rather one small paper that finishes.
The school wants more colouring-in.
Colouring-in that never ends is not task completion. We would rather one small paper that finishes.
Ask about school
A short, friendly conversation is the best first step. Call, text or WhatsApp us — we’ll listen and guide you, with no pressure.
MPS Road, Block A Model Town, Multan (near Bloomfield Hall School, Street No. 2) · Mon–Fri, 2 PM – 6 PM