Classroom Accommodations for Dysgraphia

Dysgraphia is a neurological disorder characterized by writing disabilities. In children, the disorder generally emerges when they are first introduced to writing.

For kids with dysgraphia, the effort of writing can get in the way of learning. Here’s a look at some classroom accommodations from Understood.org that can help kids with writing issues.

The following are selected tips. See the full list on the Understood website.

Classroom materials and routines

• Provide pencil grips or different types of pens or pencils to see what works best for the student.
• Allow the student to use an audio recorder or a laptop in class.
• Provide paper with different-colored or raised lines to help form letters in the right space.
• Provide graph paper (or lined paper to be used sideways) to help line up math problems.

Giving instructions

• Provide paper assignments with name, date, title, etc., already filled in.
• Provide information needed to start writing assignments early.
• Help the student break writing assignments into steps .

Completing tests and assignments

• Adapt test formats to cut down on handwriting. For example, use “circle the answer” or “fill in the blank” questions.
• Grade based on what the student knows, not on handwriting or spelling.
• Use a scribe or speech-to-text so the student can dictate test answers and writing assignments.

Excerpted from “Classroom Accommodations for Dysgraphia” on Understood.org. Read the full article online.

Understood.org’s goal is to help the millions of parents whose children, ages 3–20, are struggling with learning and attention issues. Visit the Understood website for more information.

Source: Understood.org | Classroom Accommodations for Dysgraphia, https://www.understood.org/en/school-learning/partnering-with-childs-school/instructional-strategies/at-a-glance-classroom-accommodations-for-dysgraphia | Copyright © 2014- 2021 UNDERSTOOD.ORG

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