DYSGRAPHIA a.k.a. I HATE TO WRITE SYNDROME

a.k.a Crummy handwriting Components Types What it looks like How to fix it When to give up

Handwriting is a HUGE consumer of Energy Stamina Time Ideas Expression

Mental functions of handwriting Organization (sound to symbol) Memory (visual and motor) Attention Motor skill (developmental or delayed) Many aspects of language used All of these skills require developmental readiness and can be improved with practice.

Typical handwriting errors in dysgraphia Size errors Placement errors Slow Microscopic, writing too small Macroscopic, writing too big Mixture of upper and lower case letters

More: Cramped fingers on writing tool Odd wrist, body and paper positions Excessive erasures Too much or too little pressure on writing tool Inconsistent letter formations and shapes Unfinished cursive letter formation Copy or spontaneous writing can be illegibile

Down sides of poor handwritng Frustration Shame Anger Accused of being lazy Accused of being sloppy Accused of being careless

So what are you going to do about it?

REMEMBER Handwriting is a huge consumer of Energy Stamina Time Ideas Expression

Some things to try: Use warm up exercises in writing/coloring Instruct and practice using appropriate grip Practice formation of symbols (square, circle, diamond) Practice, practice, practice to increase fluency Give direct instruction to improve writing organization Teach and reinforce correct letter formation Consider pencil grips Use lined paper

Upper elementary strategies Shorten the assignments if possible Increase time to do the work Grade first on content and then on quality Avoid negative reinforcement Allow oral presentation from the student Give tests in untimed conditions

Middle school and on… Develop computer and word processing skills Borrow notes Student records lectures to make notes later Student uses a scribe

All kids Teach Practice Reinforce Set high expectations Be willing to make compromises  make some editing marks rather than recopying the whole thing. Try accommodations including grips & customized paper Practice, practice, practice

Kids with suspected fine motor issues Teach Practice Emphasize similarities between letters Teach formation of letters by similar letter groups (c, a, d, g, o) … versus alphabetical order, if possible Include sensory methods  Rainbow writing  Auditory rhymes  Writing in sand  Writing in clay

Resources aphia.asp aphia.asp sgraphia-when-handwriting-is-illegible/ sgraphia-when-handwriting-is-illegible/ omments omments