Dysgraphia - handwriting


Handwriting Paper

Most teachers will allow student’s to do their homework, either in a cursive script or on a computer.



Children’s handwriting is always a talking point at school and it appears to be accepted in the teaching community that children can/will grow out of handwriting problems. Why should they grow out of it? It would make handwriting easier for children, if they were taught to use a ‘cursive script’ when they start to learn to write, instead of teaching them to print first and then expecting them to change over. (It should be said however, that some schools do teach 'cursive' writing from the start.)

This would also avoid the confusion that typical dyslexic people have with letters such as: ‘b’ ‘d’, ‘p’, ‘q’, because when you use a cursive script, there are very few reversible letters, because of the way the letter start and how it connects the other letters together.

 

Some things make it easier to write, these include:

1.Bad posture creates stress on young spines.

Good Posture Pack Posture Pack makes a dramatic difference to posture. There are thousands in use in schools and homes. Improves handwriting, study, attention span and comfort.


 

2. It is imWriting Slopeportant for good writing that the forearm is well supported on the desk and that the paper is placed at an angle. You do not need to have a 'writing slope', but it can help. It is even more important that a student supports their forearm if they are left-handed.

 


3. Student’s should use a ‘tripod grip’ and practice 5 minutes each day, this is habit forming.


4. For young students: ‘Pencil Grips’ are a good way to ensure that the Triangle Pencil Gripschild is holding the pen correctly. If you hold the pen correctly, this significantly reduces stress on the hand. These pencil grips are available very cheaply through most stationery shops.


For older students:

Ergo-Sof PenPenAgain Ergo-Sof Pen.

 


dysgraphia Useful Aids & Equipment


There is a lot of useful things to help student's with dysgraphia. You will find a list under 'dysgraphia aids and equipment'. All the items mentioned above will be included on that page.

* Templates – help to keep paper in the right place/angle.
* Pre-formed letter shapes, children follow with their fingers.
* Word Predication and Speech Synthesis software packages.
* Voice Recognition Software.


 

How can i help a student with dysgraphia?

There are lots of thinks you can do to help the dysgraphic student. Helping to develop skills with:

sequencing;

space organisation;

directional awareness and

strategy.

 

The best way to teach these skills is by using 'Multi-Sensory Methods'. The earlier it is started the better.

 

What is Multi-Sensory?

 

I am frequently being asked by parents and students, 'what does multi-sensory mean'. Multi-Sensory simply means, using: eyes, ears, touch, taste and smell.