Low+Tech+Strategies+for+Writing

Writing consists of the physical act of writing (handwriting) or the cognitive act (composition). Assistive Technology can help students with difficulties in one or both of these areas to participate in the curriculum in a timely, age appropriate manner. Assistive technology includes all strategies to improve functional writing including items that are not technology at all! Below is a list of low tech solutions that may assist a child with the physical act (handwriting).


 * ** Difficulties observed ** || ** Low Tech Solutions to Try **
 * ( **** list is not exhaustive **** ) ** ||  ||
 * Poor endurance for writing

Weakness in or lack of motor coordination of arm or hand muscles

Poor Fine Motor Coordination

Poor Eye Hand Coordination

Poor Spacing

Slow completion of assignments

Easily agitated during written assignments

Paper moves while student is writing

Assignments are short and limited.

|| * Adapt tests to reduce amount of writing by utilizing: fill in the blanks, multiple choice, circle main idea or true false questions. ||  || Links and Articles: [|From Johns Hopkins] [|Methods to improving Writing] [] [|Sticky Note Pre Writing] [|Improving fine motor] [|Visual Perceptual Skills] [|Improving Writing at an Early Age] [|Free Custom Graph Paper]
 * Allow the student to highlight answers
 * Provide notes ahead of time utilizing Word or power point to allow the student to fill in the important information
 * Note taking buddies
 * Use of stamps to indicate spacing between words
 * Alphabet Magnets
 * White boards with dry erase markers
 * Laminated word/letters or phrases with Velcro
 * Slant board
 * Colored line paper
 * Raised Line paper
 * Graph paper for spacing
 * Glue sticks or liquid glue to outline paper
 * Paper with handwriting lines (solid top, bottom and dashed middle)
 * Use of ** modeling clay to build up pen/pencil **
 * ** Pencil Grip ( commercial or self made in foam) **
 * Clipboard to hold paper into place
 * Pen with a light
 * Thick pencils/pens/markers
 * Highlight lines
 * Weighted pens
 * Dycem
 * Rollerball or fountain pen