About CEW
Two Integrated Parts, One Program
CEW - Developmental
CEW - Developmental teaches spatial concepts and developmental line strokes required as foundations for writing. Concepts and movements are taught through fun multi-sensory activities using whole body movement, vertical surface play and tabletop play. Activities are appropriate for groups or individual children.
CEW - Letter Formation
CEW - Letter Formation teaches both capital and lowercase letters using affect, music, movement and visual support. Each letter is taught using unique musical tones that match the movements needed to create the letter (for example, a line down starts with a high note and ends with a low note) and formation is taught through whole body movement, writing on a vertical surface and using paper and pencil.
CEW was developed in 2012 by occupational therapists, Michele Parkins and Carrie Davis, while working in a school for children with challenges in relating and communicating, Celebrate the Children in Denville, New Jersey (where the program was piloted). Together, they realized that so many students are missing the foundations they need in order to be successful in writing and have experienced many defeats in the area of handwriting before. With their knowledge of music, development of gross and fine motor movement, visual-spatial development and engagement, they decided to create a fun, engaging handwriting program that effectively teaches kids to create letters!
CEW is proud of their collaborations:
CEW - Developmental
CEW - Developmental teaches spatial concepts and developmental line strokes required as foundations for writing. Concepts and movements are taught through fun multi-sensory activities using whole body movement, vertical surface play and tabletop play. Activities are appropriate for groups or individual children.
CEW - Letter Formation
CEW - Letter Formation teaches both capital and lowercase letters using affect, music, movement and visual support. Each letter is taught using unique musical tones that match the movements needed to create the letter (for example, a line down starts with a high note and ends with a low note) and formation is taught through whole body movement, writing on a vertical surface and using paper and pencil.
CEW was developed in 2012 by occupational therapists, Michele Parkins and Carrie Davis, while working in a school for children with challenges in relating and communicating, Celebrate the Children in Denville, New Jersey (where the program was piloted). Together, they realized that so many students are missing the foundations they need in order to be successful in writing and have experienced many defeats in the area of handwriting before. With their knowledge of music, development of gross and fine motor movement, visual-spatial development and engagement, they decided to create a fun, engaging handwriting program that effectively teaches kids to create letters!
CEW is proud of their collaborations:
- We are so excited that CEW will be distributed through Western Psychological Services (WPS) this Spring. www.wpspublish.com
- We have collaborated with three-time Grammy Nominee, singer and songwriter, Brady Rymer, to create songs for CEW. www.bradyrymer.com
- We got our start at Celebrate the Children School in Denville, New Jersey and conducted a pilot program and research study there
About the CEW Creators
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Carrie Davis, MS, OTR, a graduate of Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, has been practicing pediatric occupational therapy in both school and private-practice settings since 2000. She currently evaluates and treats children with sensory processing disorder, ADHD, learning disabilities, challenges in executive functions and autism. She is DIR® and SIPT certified, with advanced training in auditory training programs (iLs and Therapeutic Listening), visual-spatial development and handwriting programs. Embracing the power of the mind-body connection, Carrie also integrates her training in yoga into her work with children with special needs. She integrates her background learning with current knowledge in order to individualize treatment plans that will help her clients to effectively and efficiently achieve their goals. She co-developed Connect Experience Write (CEW)® with Michele Parkins and has traveled across the country to present this innovative program. Carrie lives in New Jersey with her husband, two sons and dog. |
Michele Parkins MS, OTR is an occupational therapist specializing in working with children with autism and sensory processing disorder. She currently works with children and families at her private practice – Great Kids Place - in Rockaway, New Jersey. She has been using and learning the DIR model for over ten years in her work at Celebrate the Children school. She is a fellow of Dr. Lucy Jane Miller, OTR and faculty of both Profectum Foundation and Sensory Processing Disorder Foundation. Michele is DIR and SIPT certified with advanced training in visual spatial capacities. She started her therapy career providing consultation to public school districts on infusing sensory integration, visual spatial, and DIR goals throughout daily activities and curriculum. She co-developed the handwriting program Connect Experience Write (CEW)® and has presented this program to therapists, teachers and parents across the US and the world. Michele is passionate about working with families and other therapists and she continues to do so as a clinician and educator. Michele lives in New Jersey with her husband, two children and two dogs.