Dysgraphia is a learning disability that affects writing skills. It makes writing difficult due to problems with handwriting, spelling, and putting thoughts on paper. Students with dysgraphia may have illegible handwriting, say words out loud while writing, and struggle with keeping track of their written thoughts. Strategies to help include accommodations like extra time or using a computer, modifications to writing tasks, and remediation through handwriting exercises, occupational therapy, and example lessons involving shaving cream or beans to practice spelling and math.

1. DYSGRAPHIA
Picture: Child Writing

2. WHAT IS DYSGRAPHIA?
• A learning disability that effects writing
which requires a complex set of motor
and information processing skills

3. WHAT IS DYSGRAPHIA?
• Dysgraphia makes the act of writing
difficult.
• Leads to problems with spelling,
handwriting, and getting thoughts down on
paper.

4. WHAT ARE WARNING SIGNS OF
DYSGRAPHIA?
Students with Dysgraphia may exhibit the
following:
• Illegible handwriting
• Saying words out loud while writing
• Trouble forming letter shapes
• Trouble keeping track of thoughts already
written down
• Difficulty with syntax structure and
grammar

5. STRATAGIES TO HELP
• Accommodations: providing alternatives to
written expression
• Modifications: changing expectations or tasks to
minimize or avoid the area of weakness
• Remediation: providing instruction for
improving handwriting and writing skills

6. ACCOMODATIONS
• Use of word processing or computer software
• Speech recognition software
• Increase amount of time a student has to copy
work and complete tasks

7. MODIFICATIONS
• Eliminate “neatness” on grading rubric
• Develop cooperative writing projects that
encourage students to work together and
complete different tasks
• Offer alternative projects to a written report
Ex: oral presentations

8. REMIDATIONS
• Provide students with raised line paper
• Allow students to use writing utensil of their
choice and place a “griper” for more stability
• Occupational Therapy sessions to enhance
motor skills

9. EXAMPLE LESSONS
• Shaving Cream Spelling
• Spread shaving cream on students’ desks
• Ask students to say the word, spell the
word, then say it again
• Instruct students to write the word in the
shaving cream on their desk
• Can be adapted for math facts

10. EXAMPLE LESSONS
• Bean Math Sentences
• Give each child x number of beans (ex: 6)
• Have them shake the beans (you can use a
can to shake them in)
• Instruct students to spill the beans
• Say and record the number sentence.
• Example: If they shake four red and two white,
the number sentence is 4 + 2 = 6.

11. UDL CONNECTION
• UDL encourages choice and autonomy in terms
of work
• Provide students with various assignment
options
• Allow students to set their own goals and assess
reflect on the progress they have made with teir
work