Dysgraphia in the classroom

Some foundation suggestions on how to support children with Dysgraphia in the classroom

• Have the child use wide-ruled paper, graph paper, or paper with raised lines to help with letter and word alignment.

• Try pencil grips or other writing aids for comfort.

• If possible, let them use a computer to type instead of write, and teach typing skills early.

• Don't criticize sloppy work. Praise their hard work and offer positive reinforcement.

• Acknowledge the condition and talk to the child about it.

• Teach them ways to relieve stress before writing. For example, have them shake or rub their hands together quickly.

• Let them squeeze a stress ball to improve hand-muscle strength and coordination.

Some resources and things you might consider include:

• Shorter writing assignments or different questions to their classmates

• Use of a computer to type instead of write

• Copies of the class notes to limit writing work

• Use of a voice-to-dictation machine or another electronic note taker

• An option to record the teacher's lectures

• Video or audio reports instead of written homework assignments

• Oral instead of written exams