Common Signs of Dysgraphia: Children Grade 3 – 8

From NCLD.org

 

Dysgraphia Warning SignsDysgraphia is a learning disability that affects writing, which requires a complex set of motor and information processing skills. Is your child is having trouble with the physical act of writing or putting thoughts down on paper? If so, the following list of common warning signs of dysgraphia in children in grades 3-8 may help you to more clearly identify the specific areas of concern and seek help to address these problems.Everyone struggles with learning at times, although learning disabilities such as dysgraphia will persist over time. If your child has displayed any of the signs below for at least the past six months, it may be time to seek help from your child’s school or other professionals.And because some of the “symptoms” listed below also apply to other types of learning disabilities and/or to Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (AD/HD), which often co-exist, you may want to review our more comprehensive Interactive Learning Disabilities Checklist.

For At Least the Past Six Months, My Child Has Had Trouble:

Writing:

  • Gripping a pencil comfortably when writing or drawing.
  • Writing neatly, evenly, and legibly.
  • Using either printed or cursive (or mixing the two styles).
  • Leaving consistent spacing between letters and words.
  • Writing on a line or within margins.
  • Copying letters and numbers neatly and accurately.
  • Spelling even familiar words correctly.
  • Being consistent in spelling.
  • Writing/printing neatly and without a lot of cross-outs and erasures
  • Expressing written ideas in an organized way.
  • Preparing outlines and organizing written work.
  • Writing without saying the words aloud.
  • Thinking of words to write.
  • Remembering to use all the words he intends to in his written work.
  • Focusing on the meaning of what he writes; (because of the physical demands during writing)
  • Maintaining energy and easy posture when writing/drawing.

Math:

  • Aligning numbers correctly when doing math problems.

Social-Emotional:

  • Being motivated and confident about writing.
  • Taking pride in written work.

If your child displays several of these warning signs, talk with a professional right away. Use a printed copy of this article — marked with the warning signs that apply to your child – to start the discussion with your child’s teachers or other professionals. By seeking proper identification and support in a timely way, your child will soon be on track for success in school and in life.

Useful Apps for Students with Dysgraphia

Dysgraphia is a learning disability that affects writing abilities. It can manifest itself as difficulties with spelling, poor handwriting and trouble putting thoughts on paper.

With Dragon Dictation 2.0, you can dictate text or email your friends, send notes and reminders to yourself … all using your voice.

Click here for more information

iTalk Recorder Premium is a smart, simple audio-recording device with options to select recording quality and to name the recording.

Click here for more information

iBook Creator:

Develop your own books with this amazing app!  Add videos, images and text.  The speech tool provided by the iPad also works with this app adding to its versatility.

iEarned that:
This is a productivity app used to motivate students by keeping track of their merits.

Idea Sketch:
Good for brainstorming new ideas, illustrating concepts making lists and outlines, planning presentation, creating organizational charts.  Lets you easily draw a diagram, mind map, concept map or flow chart and convert it to a text outline.

Tools 4 Students:
25 top quality graphic organizers.  Choose the best template and fill in your information right on your mobile device.

From http://wandaleannne.blogspot.com