Writing is a difficult task for kids with dyslexia. Since a child with dyslexia is verbal, creative, and expressive, you’d think it would be easy. But dyslexia and writing are two words that can’t seem to find common ground with kids who struggle to process language skills.
Teachers will usually look at a dyslexic child’s written work and fill it with red marks. Grammar, punctuation, and sentence structure are usually horrible. Organization? Think again. Kids with dyslexia seem to ramble, rarely getting to the point. Dyslexia and writing abilities are at different ends of the spectrum, while parents and teachers struggle to find ways to help these kids forumulate ideas, organize paragraphs, and write in legible sentences.
Writing is one of the most important skills a child can have. Almost every subject includes writing. Even math has a writing component these days, thanks to Common Core Math. Since kids with dyslexia have such a difficult time with language in general, writing is a subject worth focusing on!
If your child has dyslexia, then you’re all too familiar with lengthy excuses for not writing, pouting fits over writing, or avoidance tactics in general when it comes to a written assignment. It doesn’t have to be this way! Your child with dyslexia and writing deficiencies can make strides with the right set of tools.
Following are some ways to help with dyslexia and writing issues.
- Oral dictation helps kids with dyslexia and writing problems take one piece out of the whole confusing equation. Choose simple sentences with easy words to start with. Read them out loud to your child and have your child write the sentence on a piece of paper. Using colored pens or pencils helps keep the focus on the written work. If your child needs you to repeat the sentence, please do that as many times as necessary. When done, go over spellings, grammar, and any other mistakes that were made. Slowly make the sentences more difficult.
- Picture writing is one of our favorite tools! Once again, this takes one of the steps out of the equation of writing. Find a picture of interest for your child with dyslexia and writing issues. Hold up the picture and have your child write what is seen.