Making Writing Fun for Bright and Quirky Kids with Dysgraphia
Getting smart and quirky kids to write can be a challenge. First off, I want to say that I love working with these kids. They are a challenge but also such a pleasure.
Gifted kids who have ADHD, autism, anxiety or other learning differences are often called Twice Exceptional (2e). I love this name! They are just that!
First, they have high intellect and second they have a challenge…a little something that needs a bit of work and help from a skilled professional. Funny enough, I had never heard of this term before my friend’s son was diagnosed. I had ALWAYS worked with these kiddos (for 20 years previously); but the term is so positive and lovely and it stuck! (check out brightandquirky.com -sorry the link keeps breaking)
Kids with Dysgraphia are Exceptional (And may struggle to write)
This is a post about getting them writing. I’m literally going to give you one resource; but it’s a doozy. It will get your creative juices flowing and hopefully help you think more about other resources you may be using that might help all of us!
Some of my kiddos have difficulty with writing (dysgraphia), some have difficulty with planning out motor actions (dyspraxia), some have trouble with organizing, planning, promoting, time management (executive functioning)…you get the picture.
They often balk at the THOUGHT of writing…anything (emotional regulation). I mean as simple as putting a word on paper results in a thunderstorm of emotions… Insert finding their interests.
How to Make Writing Fun for Kids with Dysgraphia?
The key is incorporating these interests into the writing activity. Some kids love superheroes, some love Legend of Zelda, Mindcraft, Terraria, others love brain games.
Recently, I worked with a kiddo using analogies of starch foods. This YouTube video got us going. We wrote an entire book, with pictures about various foods and how they are related to sandwiches, toast, tacos, calzones, quiche and sushi. Then we write recipes and made a few of the foods. It was fun! For both of us! (bonus- adult had fun too) and there was no arguing.
What are some ideas you use to get your bright and quirky kids engaged in writing?
