1. Dysgraphia By: Josephine Bokuniewicz

2. Objectives I will be able to define dysgraphia I will be able to list the signs of dysgraphia. I will be able to identify ways to encourage students with dysgraphia to thrive. 3. Define Dysgraphia Dysgraphia is a learning disability that affects writing, which requires a complex set of motor and information processing skills (National Center for Learning Disabilities Inc.). Students struggle with: Handwriting Spacing Spelling and Putting their thoughts on paper 4. Illegible printing and cursive writing (despite proper time and attention given to task). Shows inconsistencies: mixtures of print and cursive, upper and lower case, or irregular sizes, shapes, or slant of letters. Has unfinished words or letters, or omitted words. Exhibits strange wrist, body, or paper position. Copying or writing is slow or labored. Shows poor spatial planning on paper Has cramped or unusual grip. May complain of sore hand. Has difficulty thinking and writing at the same time. 5. Encourage students to be Successful. Avoid chastising student for sloppy, careless work. Use oral exams when possible. Allow use of a tape recorder for lectures. Allow the use of a note taker. Provide notes or outlines to reduce the amount of writing. Allow use of wide ruled paper and graph paper. Suggest use of pencil grips or writing aids. Provide alternatives to written assignments. 6. Resources Learning Disabilities Association of America. (n.d.). Dysgraphia. Retrieved: http://ldaamerica.org/types-of- learning-disabilities/dysgraphia/ National Center for Learning Disabilities. (n.d.). Dysgraphia. Retrieved: http://www.ncld.org/types-learning- disabilities/dysgraphia Wrights Law. (n.d.). Understanding dysgraphia. Retrieved: http://www.wrightslaw.com/info/read.dysgraphia.facts.ht m