Ever searched for something on the web and got something totally different? I searched on short term and got short term health insurance NC. Strange. Of course I got more specific after that… I am still searching on dysgraphia stuff for my oldest son. I saw this paragraph out there:
Dysgraphia is a kind of disability where a person finds it difficult to write things. He has distorted writing. While writing, the afflicted person will commit spelling mistakes. Such people will also find it difficult to put their ideas across the paper.
And found it humorous because I have always had a hard time putting my ideas on paper. Oh, I can do it. But short and sweet. Writing this blog has been interesting. It has increased my writing skills… well ok, maybe not, but it certainly has me writing more. While I certainly do not have the problem my son has, I can understand his frustrations with it.
While looking for ‘short term help for dysgraphia’… ya ya, I finally typed it all out… I found this list:
* Allow use of print or cursive – whichever is more comfortable.
* Use large graph paper for math calculation to keep columns and rows organized.
* Allow extra time for writing assignments.
* Begin writing assignments creatively with drawing, or speaking ideas into a tape recorder
* Alternate focus of writing assignments – put the emphasis on some for neatness and spelling, others for grammar or organization of ideas.
* Explicitly teach different types of writing – expository and personal essays, short stories, poems, etc.
* Do not judge timed assignments on neatness and spelling.
* Have students proofread work after a delay – it’s easier to see mistakes after a break.
* Help students create a checklist for editing work – spelling, neatness, grammar, syntax, clear progression of ideas, etc.
* Encourage use of a spell checker – speaking spell checkers are available for handwritten work
* Reduce amount of copying; instead, focus on writing original answers and ideas
* Have student complete tasks in small steps instead of all at once.
* Find alternative means of assessing knowledge, such as oral reports or visual projects
* Encourage practice through low-stress opportunities for writing such as letters, a diary, making household lists or keeping track of sports teams.
It will soon be printed and posted up on the wall… to remind ME of what I need to do to help my son. It can be very frustrating. Even today trying to get him to write five vocabulary definitions. Ugh. We’ll get there, but with all that has been going on the last couple of weeks, it seems a little slow. Sigh. Too much on my plate even now that the yearbook is basically done. Sleep might help… yaa sleep and exercise. Need to get back on track. Breath, oh yaa… got to remember to breath. 
