Introduction
A lot of people might have heard about ADHD and dyslexia because of their representation in the media. However, there is a lesser-known, yet not so uncommon learning disorder known as dysgraphia. It is a learning disability that is characterized by problems associated with writing. It’s a neurological disorder affecting both children as well as adults. The cause of dysgraphia is still not known, though when it occurs in adults, it generally happens because of a traumatizing event.
Symptoms & Signs of Dysgraphia
Although illegible handwriting is a telling sign of dysgraphia, not everyone with illegible handwriting has the disorder. It is possible to have neat handwriting while having dysgraphia, even though it might take longer and a lot more effort to write neatly.
Some of the common traits associated with dysgraphia are as follows:
- Incorrect spelling and capitalization
- A mix of print and cursive letters
- Inconsistencies in sizing and spacing of letters
- Difficulty in copying words
- Slow pace of writing
- Difficulty in visualizing words before writing them
- Peculiar body or hand position when writing
- A tight grip on the pen or pencil resulting in cramping of the hands
- Looking at the hand while writing
- Saying words aloud while writing
- Leaving out letters and words from sentences
People with dysgraphia also have trouble concentrating on other things while in the act of writing. This can make it difficult to take lecture notes or during a meeting because a great deal of attention is being paid to getting every word down on paper. This can cause them to miss certain things that are being said in class. As a result, they are often accused of being sloppy or lazy since they seem to not pay attention and their handwriting isn’t legible. This can adversely affect their self-esteem and lead to a lack of confidence, a generally negative attitude toward school, and anxiety.
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How to Help Students Cope With Dysgraphia
Teachers have a very important role in helping students who have this condition, and such students usually have to be shifted to a SpEd (special education) facility for further studies. However, here are a few tips teachers can tell students who suffer from minor forms of this condition:
Instruct Them to Stretch Out The Hands
Before beginning an activity like typing or handwriting, it would be a good idea to ask the students to shake their hands out, rotate their wrists, wiggle their fingers, and maybe even squeeze a stress ball. The idea behind this activity is to get the blood flowing and prepare the muscles for writing.
Touch Typing
Computers are generally recommended for people who have this condition because they reduce the number of variables that need to be controlled such as writing text left to right along a straight line, letter formation, or letter and word spacing. They allow for easy correction without the stigma of marks caused by erasure and provide access to spell-checkers. A person who learns how to touch type is even better off because they can use hand muscle memory to help with spelling as well as enhance literacy skills, like decoding and sight-reading.
Cursive Instead of Print
If students are in a position where they are forced to write by hand, it is better to guide them to write in cursive as it is considered an easier medium than print. There is greater connectivity between letters, which reduces the distractions that may be caused by spacing. Cursive script also has lesser reversible letters and requires a steady flow of writing, which can help students who have this condition.
Allow Accommodations
Teachers can help dysgraphic students by allowing them certain accommodations in the classroom. These include allowing them to record classroom discussions and the teacher’s instructions with an audio or video recorder, or using a computer to take lecture notes and complete written assignments. Teachers should also note that since this condition can get in the way of performance, assessment techniques might also have to be adjusted.
Try Different Paper and Pens
It can sometimes make a difference to write by hand on paper that has thick or raised lines. Paper of different colors may also be beneficial. Fine motor skills affect the way an individual grips a writing utensil, thus consider using a thicker pen or a pencil with a rubber grip.
Allow Them to Recite Word Spelling Aloud
Spelling can sometimes be challenging for dysgraphic students because this condition affects breaking down words into their component letters. However, spelling the word out loud is not affected. So, teachers can conduct spelling quizzes orally. They may also be allowed to recite a word’s spelling silently to themselves before trying to write it down. Touch typing also helps in this case because repeat drilling of a word means that the spelling is learned through hand muscle memory.
Help Them With Using Outlines and Multiple Drafts
Since organization and expression are difficult for such students, it would be better if the teacher can make an outline organizing ideas in a clear manner. Giving them a chance to work with multiple drafts means that there is less pressure and stress to get something done right on the first try. The teacher can instruct them to review prior information, rewrite, and adapt to ensure a reader can follow a train of thought.
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Conclusion
Dysgraphic students may have a hard life ahead of them, but their life can be made easier with a little help from their teachers. With some well-intended support, their academic life can become so much easier. Teachers can make a big difference, especially when it comes to problems such as these.
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