OTD Capstone Projects

Abstract

This doctoral capstone project was completed at Middle Tennessee Christian School (MTCS) to address handwriting and fine motor needs across grade levels. Teachers identified a need for structured, classroom-friendly strategies to support students with dyslexia, attention challenges, and early pre-writing readiness.

The project included two components: development of a multi-sensory cursive handwriting curriculum for elementary students and implementation of a classroom-based Mat Man pilot study for preschool and transitional kindergarten students. The cursive curriculum emphasized color-coded stroke pathways, motor-based letter grouping, guided practice, repetition, and classroom application. Teacher-ready materials included laminated visual supports, portable letter cards, lesson plans, and digital resources.

The Mat Man pilot study examined changes in body awareness and drawing complexity using pre- and post-intervention self-drawings scored for body-part inclusion. Results demonstrated decreased percentages of drawings without a body and increased body-part inclusion across participating classrooms.

This project promoted sustainable collaboration between occupational therapy and educators while providing practical resources to support student success.

Publication Date

Spring 4-21-2026

Faculty Mentor

Camille Turner EdD, MSOT, OTR/L

Department

Occupational Therapy, School of

College

Health Sciences & Nursing, Gordon E. Inman College of

Document Type

Poster

Degree

Doctorate of Occupational Therapy (OTD)

Degree Level

Doctoral

Degree Grantor

Belmont University

Keywords

Occupational Therapy; Handwriting; Cursive; Preschool; Fine Motor; Body Schema; School-Based Practice; Early Childhood; Mat Man; Classroom Intervention

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