
Dysgraphia – Page 2
Dysgraphia - Page 2
Dysgraphia is a learning difficulty caused by a neurological disorder. Dysgraphia symptoms are characterised by the inability to write correctly. This is often because they have poor ‘fine-motor’ skills, which impacts on their; spelling; getting their thoughts down on paper. But, also because of the amount of processing that is carried out in the brain.
Below there is information on Improve Your Handwriting, Educational Games for Kids with Dysgraphia, Aids & Equipment, Why Write When You Can Type, Software to Help with Dysgraphia and Dysgraphia Help, Advice & Support.
Dysgraphia - Improve Your Handwriting
There are over 25 muscles in the hands and fingers so you can see why it is essential to have strong muscles as this leads to good handwriting and drawing.
You will find a lot of helpful information and excellent aids and equipment to help people with dysgraphia and handwriting issues below.
There are so many ways you help a student with dysgraphia/handwriting problems. If you know the tools available to you, you will be able to help them very quickly. The problem is many people do not understand how they should write correctly. The ideas below should help tremendously with handwriting.
These are all tried and tested techniques, why not give them a go?
How to Hold a Pencil – The Tripod Grip
The ‘Tripod Grip’, is used internationally and one of the easiest ways to hold a pencil as you have a full movement for writing and drawing. Furthermore, this grip can also be used by right and left-handed people.
I am sure we have all seen some weird and wonderful positions with children holding pencils, but if you use this simple one, it will work wonders!
Pencil Grips
If you use a ‘pencil grip’, you cannot fail to hold a pencil correctly. Students of any age can use them; some are plain, others are more decorative, like an ‘owl’, ‘dinosaur’ etc.
One of my grand-children who has a problem with hand-writing is just seven and has only recently been given a ‘pencil grip’ to help him with his handwriting. Guess what? The ‘pencil grip’ keeps ‘disappearing’ or gets ‘broken’! I think it is ridiculous to expect a child of that age, to start using something that the majority of his classmates are not. It makes them stand out, and he is embarrassed.
Why not get them all to use pencil grips when they start school, that would probably sort out a lot of minor problems at the start?
Size of Pencil
Is the student using the correct size pen or pencil? If they are very young, cut a pencil in half – this will save money as well.
Paper
Place your forearms on the desk. If you are right-handed, they should place their left hand on the paper to hold it still. The paper should be turned slightly to the left.
Writing Slope
Writing slopes – These come in different materials, and they enable students to write at the recommended angle of 20 degrees. These sturdy slopes usually have a rubber grip to prevent slipping.
Sitting in the Correct Position
Many people wouldn’t even think about a ‘correct sitting position’ for handwriting. But this is important; the chair should have a straight back and be the correct height so both feet can be placed on the floor.
Wedge Posture Aid
Helps balance, encourages proper sitting and correct posture while aiding concentration.
There are small bumps on the top and underneath it is smooth; this appears to provide sensory feedback, helping children to remain focused for longer. It is particularly beneficial for those with poor body awareness and low muscle tone.
All the items mentioned above can be found in the Dysgraphia Aids and Equipment Section.
Educational Games for Kids with Dysgraphia
Educational Games
I believe playing games is the best way for children to learn. If you or your child has dyslexia, dysgraphia, dyscalculia, dyspraxia, ADHD or other Specific Learning Difficulties (SpLD’s), when you play certain games it can increase their ability to achieve in literacy and numeracy skills.
That’s why I am a great believer in getting students to learn through play. When they are playing educational games, they improve core skills, like fine motor skills or gross motor skills. All these games and exercises mentioned below help to advance ‘fine motor skills’ and ‘gross motor skills’. These skills are vital for literacy, i.e. handwriting, numeracy, i.e. multiplication tables, time, tempo, spatial awareness.
Click the link for a complete list of educational games.
Dysgraphia Aids & Equipment
If you use a ‘pencil grip’, you cannot fail to hold a pencil correctly. Students of any age can use them; some are plain, others are more decorative, like an ‘owl’, ‘dinosaur’ etc.
The rest of the products listed can also improve handwriting quite quickly:
Pen & Pencils
1 Pen & Pencil Grips
2 ‘Move Easy’ Handwriting Pens & Pencils
3 Short Pocket Half Size Pencils
4 Triangle PencilsSpecialist Paper & Boards
5 Tinted Lined Handwriting Paper &
6 Tinted Lined Handwriting Exercise Books
7 Abilitations Hi-Write Ruled Notebook – (Tinted)
8 Raised Lined Handwriting PaperFree – Handwriting Practice Worksheets
9 Handwriting Practice
10 Kidzone Handwriting Worksheets
11 Handwriting WorksheetsOther Aids
12 ‘Handwriting Transparent One Finger Spacer’
13 Large Magnetic Gel Boards
14 A4 Size Whiteboard (with the cursive alphabet on)
15 Writing Slope
16 Sit-on Wedge Posture AidHandwriting Apps
17 Snap Type
Pen & Pencils
Pen & Pencil Grips
These are really excellent. If you have a child with a handwriting problem, this would be the first item I would buy! Available from several outlets.
The Dyslexia Shop or Crossbow EducationMove Easy Pencil/Pens
These pens and pencils have a moulded grip and are very easy to use (but I think you still need to know how to hold the pencil first).
TTS-GroupShort Pocket Half Size Pencils
Depending on the age of the child, it may be better to use ‘half size’ pencils. You could save money and get a standard pencil and cut it half!
AmazonTriangle Pencils
This does to a certain point keep the fingers in the correct position, but I personally don’t think they are that easy to use.
The Dyslexia Shop or Crossbow EducationSpecialist Paper & Boards
Special lined paper can help children write more fluently by improving fine motor control, legibility, spatial awareness and quality of written work.
Highlighted lower-line space for lowercase letter placement and differentiation between upper and lower case letters helps children to remember where each letter of the alphabet should go. It is usually quite an inexpensive way of helping them to improve the quality of their handwriting.
Handwriting Without Tears
This is a classic and is excellent, but it is a programme, not just writing paper and can, therefore, work out a little more expensive.Tinted Handwriting & Exercise Books
Paper with lines already spaced out on it, which makes it easier when children are practising handwriting. Different colours are available.
TTS-GroupAbilitations Hi-Write Wide Ruled Notebook – (Tinted)
The paper has a highlighted lower line that serves as a visual cue for lowercase letter placement and differentiation between upper- and lowercase letters. There are some excellent reviews of this product.
AmazonRaised Lined Handwriting Paper
Designed to be used by individuals who have difficulty staying in the line of standard writing paper. Some people say this is excellent. I haven’t used it yet, but I would have thought if you were trying to write fluently, you would find when you pushed the pencil up, it would just get stuck. I will have to buy some and try it. If anyone has tried this with their child can you let me know, please?
TTS-GroupThe National Federation of the Blind
This charity has a paper with slightly raised lines, which helps with handwriting and also learning about ‘spatial awareness’.
RNFBDirt Grass Sky Paper
This is not something that I would normally recommend but I feel it is quite a unique way of helping children to learn. There are a lot of people on the Facebook pages which think it is excellent, which is why I have included it.It uses an unusual way of getting children to remember which letters go where, i.e., tall letters go up to the ‘sky’ line, while letters that go below the line are written on the ‘worm’ line.
Designed in Australia and it appears to be loved by their teachers and occupational therapists. It is not very expensive so I think it is probably worth a try.
Sprout LearningHandwriting Practice Worksheets – FREE
There aren’t many things that are free in life, but the following handwriting practice worksheets are free, and they all look pretty good.
Handwriting Practice
Beautiful worksheets in print.
Handwriting PracticeKidzone
Make individualized handwriting worksheets, in cursive.
KidzoneHandwriting Worksheets
Make beautiful cursive worksheets
Handwriting WorksheetsOther Useful Aids for Handwriting
Handwriting Transparent One Finger Spacer
Helps children learn how to space letters and words. You can save money by using lollipop sticks!
TTS GroupLarge Magnetic Gel Boards
Write on the board using a stylus and just swipe your hand across to erase. I used this a couple of months ago and must admit I was very impressed with it. Children will definitely love it.
TTS GroupA4 Size Whiteboard (with the cursive alphabet on)
This features the National Literacy Strategy (NLS) for the UK, approved cursive alphabet formed on the whiteboard.
The Dyslexia Shop or Crossbow EducationWriting Slope
This keeps the paper at the optimum angle for handwriting. It enables students to write at the recommended angle of degrees. These sturdy slopes usually have a rubber grip to prevent slipping. Anyone remember the old school desks, they were slightly higher at the back than the front. (They must have known about these things then!)
The Dyslexia Shop or Crossbow EducationSit-on Wedge Posture Aid
Helps balance, encourages proper sitting and correct posture while aiding concentration. There are small bumps on the top and underneath it is smooth; this appears to provide sensory feedback, helping children to remain focused for longer. It is particularly beneficial for those with poor body awareness and low muscle tone.
TTS GroupHandwriting Apps
Snap Type App
This is a simple way to complete any worksheet on your iPad or computer. Just take a photo of your school homework and fill it in, with a stylus or by typing. Some teachers allow students to email the finished article to them, for marking.This handwriting app is an excellent tool which helps students keep up with their peers; even when their handwriting holds them back.
SnapTypeThis section (Apps) has only just been added and will be completed shortly. Please accept my apologies for any inconvenience.
Why Write When you Can Type?
This section has just been added and will be completed shortly.
Please accept my apologies for any inconvenience caused.
Dysgraphia Software to help with Handwriting
This section has only just been added and will be completed shortly.
Please accept my apologies for any inconvenience caused.
Dysgraphia - Help, Advice & Support
Dysgraphia – Help, Advice & Support
This section has only just been added and will be completed shortly.
Alli Can’t Write
A Storybook for Children with Handwriting Difficulties – Including those with: Dyslexia, Dysgraphia, Dyscalculia, Dyspraxia & ADHD.
Quick Links
Latest Dyslexia Posts
Dyslexia and Alternative Therapies – Book Reviews
Dyslexia and Alternative Therapies - Book Reviews Review by: 'Education Otherwise' A good book about how alternative therapies can help dyslexia. It mentions each therapy individually and explains what...
‘Everything is Going to be K.O.’ – Dyslexia, Dyspraxia & ADHD
‘Everything is Going to be K.O.’ Short Animation Film by someone with Dyslexia, Dyspraxia & ADHD I heard about this young lady a couple of years ago, and it was...
Studies have shown that rosemary can improve your memory by 75%
Scientists Discover Herb that Increases Memory by 75% Many studies have shown that aromatic herbs, like rosemary and lavender, can improve your memory. So, why aren’t we using them to...
Did you know the Kindle has a ‘dyslexia font’ on it?
Kindle makes reading a little easier for dyslexics Many people that contact me are still not aware that Kindle has a 'dyslexia font' that you can add to your device....
Are Eye Tests Important for Children?
Are Eye Tests important for Children? Eye tests are important for all of us, but even more important for our children. So many parents tell me that children have their...