I was reading with interest a blog in the special needs section of Families.com by a blogger named Kristyn. This blog was about the different types of learning disabilities that could affect your child.
I had already had it in mind to post several blogs about the different types of learning disabilities, but since Kristyn described them so well, I changed my mind. I would much rather focus on what can be done academically in a school setting to help children out that have each specific type of learning disability. If you read Kristyn’s blog, you can read a brief explanation of each type of disability that I will discuss starting with this blog and then in a few future blogs.
What can be done in the school setting for a child that is diagnosed with dysgraphia, one of the specific types of learning disabilities?
If your child is diagnosed with dysgraphia, the child’s school should have implemented an IEP. With that information, the following strategies and accommodations are found to be helpful for children with dysgraphia in the school setting:
*Students with dysgraphia should be taught to outline his or her thoughts and work on getting the main ideas down on paper. Students should not worry about spelling and grammar when taking notes in outline form.
*Rather than writing many notes, have children draw pictures
*Have students tape record any lectures for class, or if taking notes, have them dictate notes into a recorder, then write down the information at a later time.
*Practice using the keyboard on the computer. Yes, computer use may be tough at first, but often with enough practice students are able to type fast enough to take notes during class, which is a lot neater than handwritten notes.
*Have a computer readily available for spell check purposes. Always encourage and teach children with dysgraphia how to use spell check.
*Allow dysgraphic students more time for tests, note taking, or writing assignments. Students may also have tests read to them.
*Assistance with the daily planner the student uses. Make sure it is organized and filled out so that students are able to utilize the planner to its fullest.
*Reduce copying of problems off the overhead or whiteboard. Instead, give students with dysgraphia notes that are pre-made that follow the lesson; the student may just fill in a word here or there.
*Use premade outline forms that assist with paragraph and story formation.
*Allowing the student to use a writing utensil that is comfortable for him.
*Use graphic organizers often
*Student should be allowed to write in cursive or print, whatever is most comfortable for the student.
These are just a sampling of the accommodations and strategies that may be utilized for students with dysgraphia. There are several more, wonderful ideas that your child’s school could be using. What is important is that strategies and accommodations are being used to ensure a successful school experience for your child.