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What Is Dysgraphia?

Dysgraphia is a learning disability that affects writing abilities. Learn the warning signs and strategies that can help. There are techniques for teaching and accommodating early writers, young students, or help yourself if you struggle with dysgraphia.
Assistive Technology for Writing

Assistive Technology for Writing

Assistive technology (AT) can help kids with different types of writing challenges. AT tools can make the physical act of writing easier, as well as help kids who have trouble with spelling and grammar, and with organizing and expressing their thoughts. This guide provides an introduction to AT writing tools and where to find them.

elementary teacher helping student revise his writing

Revising

Revising is the process of reviewing, refining, and improving written compositions. It is a crucial step in the writing process and goes beyond simply correcting spelling and grammar; it also involves rethinking and refining the content, structure, and style of a written piece.

Assistive Technology Tools: Writing

Assistive Technology Tools: Writing

Learn about assistive technology tools — from abbreviation expanders to word-recognition software programs — that address your child’s specific writing difficulties.

Mother helping two daughters with homework and writing at home

Reading and Writing SOS: Writing

In this special Reading Rockets video series, experts answer real questions from families about writing and how to support their children’s literacy at home.

young red-headed boy outside writing in a notebook

Accessing Skills Toward Successful Writing Development

Writing is a highly complex language skill. Without skilled, systematic instruction, many students — particularly those with disabilities — may not become proficient writers. At stake is access to the general education curriculum. This brief discusses developmental stages, why writing may pose particular challenges for students with disabilities, and what areas should be the focus for remediation.

Young father talking and laughing with preschool son

Basics: Oral Language

Oral language encompasses both speaking and listening. Oral language skills include learning how spoken words sound, what words and sentences mean, and how to communicate ideas. Nurturing oral language skills provides a strong foundation for learning to read.

colorful paper clips used to show sentence combining words

Sentence Combining

Combining sentences encourages students to take two or more short, choppy sentences and combine them into one effective sentence — to make their writing more readable and engaging. Sentence combining is a skill that develops over several short practice sessions.

young red-headed boy outside writing in a notebook

The “Writing Rope” Model

Learn about the “writing rope” — a model for understanding the interwoven elements that support writing, developed by literacy expert Joan Sedita. Get the basics on the five key strands and how to provide explicit instruction for each strand.

Structured Literacy Instruction: The Basics

Structured Literacy Instruction: The Basics

Structured Literacy prepares students to decode words in an explicit and systematic manner. This approach not only helps students with dyslexia, but there is substantial evidence that it is effective for all readers. Get the basics on the six elements of Structured Literacy and how each element is taught.

elementary teacher working one-on-one with female student

Effective Reading Instruction for Students with Dyslexia

Learn the basics about Structured Literacy and how it helps children to decode words in an explicit and systematic manner. This approach not only helps students with dyslexia, but there is substantial evidence that it is more effective for all readers. 

Young Latina student smiling in the classroom at her desk

Academic Language and ELLs

Most scholars believe that instruction in academic English ’ done early, consistently, and simultaneously across content areas ’ can make a difference in English learners’ ability to understand the core curriculum.
young red-headed boy outside writing in a notebook

Using Assistive Technology to Support Writing

Technology — and especially the subset of technology tools known as assistive technology (AT) — can be an effective element of the writing curriculum for students with disabilities. Since writing is so integral to school success, AT is often indicated to assist students with disabilities.

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