Students who have a writing disability struggle and need some extra help in the classroom. Although a special educator will work with the student, it is helpful for the regular educator to understand the disability, common modifications and methods of helping the student as well.
Understanding a Writing Disability
Students with Dysgraphia, or a specific learning disability in the area of writing, struggle to get their thoughts written down on paper. There is no difficulty in speaking or communicating verbally, but when required to come up with something to write down, there is a very real block that prevents them from the same writing ability as their peers.
These students typically have bad handwriting, write very little at a time, and may complain about their hand or arm hurting after very little time spent writing. They will seem to spend an inordinate amount of time attempting to write simple things, including copying information from the board. Taking notes will seem like an insurmountable task and they may act out when required to write.
Common IEP Modifications for a Writing Disability
Additional Time – Providing extra time for a student is a very common modification for students with any type of disability, including writing. This allows the student the time needed to process the information, and attempt to work through the disability to write down an answer.
Dictation/typing – Sometimes a child has such a severe writing disability that for testing purposes it is a more accurate picture of the child's knowledge to have him dictate to a teacher instead of writing his own answers. The use of an Alphasmart or computer helps a student with a writing disability because typing is a different method of written communication that is often easier for the child.
Modified Assignments – When working with a student who has a disability, modifying assignments is often necessary. Modifying a writing assignment often involves creating a worksheet for note taking, breaking an essay assignment down into small manageable chunks, and reducing the amount of writing required.
How to Effectively Teach a Student with a Writing Disability
When working with a student who has a writing disability, it is important to remember that the student is not refusing to write out of defiance, even though the child may display an inappropriate attitude. Helping this child takes patience and perseverance. Always provide lines for the student to write on, no matter what the assignment.
Be careful to not have writing be a means of punishment for the child, and work to include opportunities for writing each day. It may be helpful to pair the student up with a friend who can help write assignments down in an agenda. Depending on the severity of the disability, the use of an Alphasmart or computer may be appropriate. Excuse poor handwriting and focus on the quality of the actual writing when grading the student.
Work together with the special education teacher assigned to the student who has a writing disability to better understand the strengths and weaknesses of the particular child. Each student is different and responds to different methods of teaching. Keep the disability and modifications in mind when planning your daily lessons, and remember that all students can learn, even those with a disability.
Learn more tips to effectively teach writing.
Jennifer Wagaman - Jennifer is a mother of 2 and has both public, private and administrative experience in the education field.
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