For Educators
Helping Students with Writing Difficulties
Writing is central to learning, memory, and self-expression. It’s how students process knowledge, demonstrate what they’ve learned, and connect their thoughts to the world.
​
Dysgraphia disrupts this essential process. At its simplest, dysgraphia is a specific learning disability that makes it difficult for students to express their thoughts in writing. It can affect the writing process at many levels, from handwriting and spelling to grammar, organization, and composition. Often brushed off as “just messy handwriting,” dysgraphia can make the act of writing so effortful that it crowds out the very thinking and learning it’s meant to support. For these students, the challenge isn’t knowing, it’s showing—turning ideas into written words.
​​
Advertisement
Professional Development Course:
Because writing is fundamental to learning, dysgraphia can have profound consequences. Students with dysgraphia may be mislabeled as lazy or unmotivated, fall behind academically, or disengage from school altogether. Research suggests it may be as common as dyslexia, yet it remains under-recognized in classrooms.​
Educators are essential to changing this trajectory. By spotting signs early, making small accommodations, and advocating for timely interventions, teachers can help students overcome barriers, build confidence, and fully engage with learning. Understanding dysgraphia as an educator is about more than helping students write. It’s about ensuring they have every opportunity to express themselves as learners and human beings.
What does dysgraphia look like?
​This fantastic video (reproduced with permission) from Edutopia, the George Lucas Education Foundation, describes dysgraphia in school-aged students and strategies for handling it:
​
How can I help students who have or may have dysgraphia?
Students with dysgraphia are often trying really hard, but struggling to show their knowledge in a school context. Explicit instruction in the process of writing is very important. Here are some resources that may help you in your classroom:
​
Simple changes can make a huge and meaningful difference in the performance and attitudes of students. Examples may be:
-
Letting students demonstrate their knowledge in other ways when possible (such verbal or video reports)
-
Reducing handwriting burden - such as allowing the student to take photos of assignments instead of copying
-
Utilizing assistive technologies (free Voice Typing in Google Docs)
Where can I learn more about dysgraphia?
​
Visit our educational platform for continuing education & professional development:
​
You can also join our Facebook page and/or monthly e-mail newsletter.
​
We are also working with schools and school districts to provide professional development sessions for educators. Email Jennifer at jennifer@dysgraphia.life to inquire and schedule.
