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Writing


We all know how important reading is; equally important is the next step along the literacy pathway- writing.  Writing requires that we synthesize our thoughts, and then express them, coherently, in text.  For kids with learning disabilities, this can present a unique challenge.  Some children have fine motor issues that make the physical act of handwriting difficult, which then acts as a barrier to developing good written expression.  And interestingly enough, the answer to these problems isn’t always as simple as teaching kids keyboarding or how to use programs like Dragon Naturally Speaking (Although these skills can help struggling writers immensely).

Other children may be overwhelmed with keeping their ideas straight long enough to express them on paper- the open-ended question that asks “Write whatever you want” seems to siphon any idea right out of their head.  And for others, problems with organization or impulsivity can keep them from expressing themselves in an orderly, coherent way.

On this page, you’ll find links to resources that address both the physical act of handwriting, as well as material about the writing process as a whole.  If your child struggles with writing,  one way to start is by listening to my podcast with Dr. Steve Graham from Vanderbilt University, one of the foremost experts on the writing process.  This will give you a good overview on why writing and handwriting are so important, and then you can drill down into the specific issues many kids have with writing.

Thanks for stopping by!  Don’t forget to check out the blog and leave us your feedback on how these new resources are working for you.

Statistics on Writing Competency:

Research on Writing

Parental Resources:

Programs:

Handwriting without Tears website; developed by Jan Olsen (Interviewed on the LD Podcast)

Write On Handwriting -website- computer based handwriting instruction primarily aimed at educators but can be used at home as well.  Program developed by Amy Ford Hebert (interviewed on the LD Podcast)

General:

The National Writing Project, a professional development network that serves teachers of writing at all grade levels, primary through university, and in all subjects. The mission of the NWP is to improve student achievement by improving the teaching of writing and improving learning in the nation’s schools.

Teaching Writing Using Writing:

Northwest Regional Educational Laboratory, Teaching Composition: Research on Effective Practices by Kathleen Cotton
Teaching Expressive Writing to Students with Learning Disabilities: A Research Synthesis

Russell Gersten, Ph.D., and Scott Baker, Ph.D. Eugene Research Institute, University of Oregon With Lana Edwards, University of Oregon

Other Web Resources:

Writing Genres:

Free Downloadables:

Other tools:

  • Alphasmart – portable keyboard; uses Palm operating system; often deals available on units on ebay.
  • Dragon Naturally Speaking – (PC Only) computer program that allows you to speak sentences and computer will automatically transcribe your words into writing/word processing document.
  • MacSpeak-Dictate- voice recognition software for the mac.
  • Pocketful of Therapy -  Great online website/store for occupation therapy/physical therapy tools, including many geared towards writing.  Includes seat cushions, slantboards, scissor skills packets, pencil grips of every variety, ferby and triangle pencils, papers, paper with raised lines, magnadoodles, activities, Handwriting without tears, and write on handwriting materials as well.

Links to Other Websites Dealing with Handwriting and Children:

Podcasts:

Jan Olsen- Developer of Handwriting Without Tears  Shows #58 & 59 About Jan:

In 1977, Jan Olsen set out on a mission to help her son. Responding to John’s tears over handwriting in first grade, Jan used her occupational therapy training and background to develop strategies to facilitate his handwriting. John’s teacher noticed his progress and asked Jan to help other students in the class. Soon Jan became known in the area as the tutoring solution for
handwriting, and her ideas became the basis for the first therapists guide, Handwriting Without Tears.

Thirty years later, the HWT product line has grown to include workbooks and teachers guides from preschool through fifth grade: hands-on materials, music, assessments, and more than 500 annual workshops to train educators throughout the world in the HWT teaching methods.

Steve Graham -  Shows #75 & 76 Steve Graham’s Information:

Steve Graham is the Currey Ingram Professor of Special Education and Literacy, a chair he shares with Karen R. Harris. His research interests include learning disabilities, writing instruction and writing development, and the development of self-regulation.  Graham is the editor of Exceptional Children and the former editor of Contemporary Educational Psychology.

He is the co-author of the Handbook of Writing Research, Handbook of Learning Disabilities, Writing Better, and Making the Writing Process Work.  He received the Ed.D. in special education from the University of Kansas. In 2001, Graham was elected a fellow of the International Academy for Research in Learning Disabilities. He is the recipient of career research awards from the Council for Exceptional Children and Special Education Research Interest Group in the American Educational Research Association.

Amy Ford Hebert- Developer of the Write On Handwriting software.  About Amy: Amy Ford has more than 10 years experience working with children with motor skill delays. Her specialty is the fine motor skill of handwriting. Amy has developed a multi-sensory approach to teaching handwriting so all children can learn to write fluently and legibly.

Michelle Jones, pediatric occupational therapist- on why handwriting matters (show #30)

Links to Websites with information about good writing grasps, tools, grips, etc.