Lesson 5: Reading, Writing and 'Rithmetic
Dysgraphia and Other Handwriting Issues
Dysgraphia is a writing disorder that may affect ten percent of the population, although it usually goes undiagnosed. Children’s author Avi is perhaps the most famous person with this disability. You can share his experiences with your children by reading his thoughts in an interview on Teaching K-8.
While not all children who have difficulty writing have dysgraphia, most of them can benefit from the adaptations developed for this disorder. Since I have dysgraphia, I am particularly comfortable discussing this challenge.
Children with dysgraphia write slowly, have messy handwriting, cannot write for sustained periods of time (often no more than a few minutes) and frequently cannot spell or organize thoughts. So much work goes into the physical process of writing that there is little brain power or energy for the thoughts. A child with dysgraphia may be seen as lazy, or may be thought to be a poor writer. When accommodations are made though, a child may surprise everyone and be the next Avi!
It is really quite easy to minimize writing in a homeschool. What is too much work for a public school is not too much at home. Begin by introducing the computer to your child. While a child should learn to write, he is unlikely to ever write well by hand. The computer is not a crutch—it is a tool. Many children with dysgraphia and other writing disorders blossom when they learn to type. Children with severe cerebral palsy or other disorders that make typing difficult may be able to use voice recognition software or other tools that allow them to create on the computer.
Whenever possible, minimize the amount of writing a child must do. Instead of having a child write an answer, let him dictate it. Instead of having him write an answer in the blank, adapt worksheets so he only has to circle the correct answer. Use workbooks to reduce the need to copy material from books. Children can also glue cutout letters onto a sheet.
Experiment with a variety of writing utensils. It is easier for me to use a thick fine-tip marker that is not slippery. However, each of my children has found a different type of writing utensil that works best. Many children with dysgraphia like the thick grips you can buy to place on pencils.
It is often difficult for children to cope with thinking about content when they are struggling to write. Suggest that they dictate their material first, perhaps using a tape recorder, or make an outline. This will help them to organize their thoughts in a more comfortable setting.
Actual handwriting should be done in small chunks and in settings that would usually require printing--signing cards, filling out paperwork, writing a list and so on. Allow plenty of time for this and be prepared to start over. Children with dysgraphia usually have difficulty erasing as well, and will rip the paper. You will need to teach them to erase.
Teaching a child with dysgraphia requires a tremendous amount of patience. Allow lots of time for written assignments and provide a distraction-free environment when possible. Encourage your child to stop and wiggle his fingers, shake out his hand, and relax. These children often hold their pencils too tightly and their hands quickly begin to ache.
Remember that dysgraphia is really a problem during school. In adult life, I do very little handwriting. Most of my work is done on a computer. Help your child to feel confident about his abilities to pursue any dream…even of being the next Avi.
