What is writing?
"Writing is a complex problem-solving activity that involves thinking, planning, and decision making, in addition to the mechanics of transcription. Flower and Hayes (1981) present a cognitive process model in which emphasis is placed on the underlying thinking skills involved in writing. They characterize the act of writing as consisting of three major elements: the task environment, the writer's long-term memory, and the writing process itself"( Assistive technology in the classroom)
Some questions to ask when assessing a student with a potential writing disability..
1) Does the child have trouble holding a writing instrument?
2) Does the child write at an efficient speed?
3) Does the child have vision problems that limit his or her ability to write?
If you answered yes to any of these questions than it is likely that the student being assessed has a writing disability and may benefit from these assistive technology tools below.
2) Does the child write at an efficient speed?
3) Does the child have vision problems that limit his or her ability to write?
If you answered yes to any of these questions than it is likely that the student being assessed has a writing disability and may benefit from these assistive technology tools below.
3 Low Tech Tools:
1) Pencil grip- pencil grips are one of the quickest fixes for a child who can not properly hold a pen or pencil correctly. They are inexpensive and are available everywhere, you can find them at a supermarkets, online, dollar stores, as well as a teaching resource stores. It is important to let the child choose which one they like best and which one works best for them. Giving the child a couple of options is ideal, this way they can say they choose to use this tool as opposed to someone directing them to use it. http://www.therapro.com/Pencil-Grips-C4297.aspx
2) Adapted paper- Changing the paper a student is writing on can be highly beneficial to someone who is having trouble printing text. There are so many options when it comes to paper; wide ruled, college ruled, no margins, bigger lines, colorful paper, raised lines, etc. Also an inexpensive fix, paper can range anywhere from $.50 to $5. http://www.therapro.com/WideLines-Paper-P4657C307763.aspx
3) Wikki Stix- are stimulating wax-covered string manipulatives that engage fine motor skills and can be used for color and shape recognition. http://www.therapro.com/Wikki-Stix-P4795C4787.aspx
2) Adapted paper- Changing the paper a student is writing on can be highly beneficial to someone who is having trouble printing text. There are so many options when it comes to paper; wide ruled, college ruled, no margins, bigger lines, colorful paper, raised lines, etc. Also an inexpensive fix, paper can range anywhere from $.50 to $5. http://www.therapro.com/WideLines-Paper-P4657C307763.aspx
3) Wikki Stix- are stimulating wax-covered string manipulatives that engage fine motor skills and can be used for color and shape recognition. http://www.therapro.com/Wikki-Stix-P4795C4787.aspx
3 Mid Tech Tools:
1) Slant Board- Slant boards provide adjustable surfaces for children, which can help them to learn both at school and at home. Using an adjustable surface can help children see reading surfaces more clearly by diminishing surface glare. Tilted surfaces may also offer students an alternative surface for writing practice.
http://www.livestrong.com/article/165966-slant-board-benefits/#ixzz2E9JxtYLv
2) Neo2- The Neo2 is a portable note taker that is durable, easy to use and lightweight. The only downside is that you must print out the notes you have typed.
3) Dry-erase Board- The student might find that writing on a dry erase board is easier than writing on paper with a pen or pencil. The dry erase board does not require as much pressure as a pen does to print something so therefor a child that has issues with their fine motor skills might find this solution more helpful.
http://www.livestrong.com/article/165966-slant-board-benefits/#ixzz2E9JxtYLv
2) Neo2- The Neo2 is a portable note taker that is durable, easy to use and lightweight. The only downside is that you must print out the notes you have typed.
3) Dry-erase Board- The student might find that writing on a dry erase board is easier than writing on paper with a pen or pencil. The dry erase board does not require as much pressure as a pen does to print something so therefor a child that has issues with their fine motor skills might find this solution more helpful.
3 High Tech Tools:
1) Pocket dictionary- A talking pocket dictionary when it is readily available can make a world of difference for a student who is unable to write.
2) Voice recognition software such as DragonDictation allows the user to speak something and the application writes down what is heard. You then have then option of printing it. This can be used in a classroom to record the teacher or at home when a student is doing homework.
3) Laptop or iPad- Whether you are running a pc or mac both systems have word processing programs that usually cost under $100. Writing on a word processing programs is beneficial in many ways. A big component of why students have trouble writing is because they sometimes can't read their own handwriting and therefor give up on making sense of the written text. With a word processing program that is all eliminated and the text is clear to read. The only downside is that laptops and iPad can be expensive if they are not paid for by the school district or the state.
2) Voice recognition software such as DragonDictation allows the user to speak something and the application writes down what is heard. You then have then option of printing it. This can be used in a classroom to record the teacher or at home when a student is doing homework.
3) Laptop or iPad- Whether you are running a pc or mac both systems have word processing programs that usually cost under $100. Writing on a word processing programs is beneficial in many ways. A big component of why students have trouble writing is because they sometimes can't read their own handwriting and therefor give up on making sense of the written text. With a word processing program that is all eliminated and the text is clear to read. The only downside is that laptops and iPad can be expensive if they are not paid for by the school district or the state.