Despite the differences, you may see some common symptoms in writing. They are listed as follows:
1. Writing events out of sequence
2. Run-on sentences
3. No spacing between words or inappropriately spaced
4. No or little use of punctuation
5. Frequent spelling errors
From my experience as a teacher, students become engrossed in learning to read and understand each word. Yet they are perplexed as to why their written essays, book reports, journal entries need to be so neat and perfect— essentially following the rules of grammar.
As a teacher, I start with basic understanding and practice of grammar. We usually work on one aspect at a time. For example, capitalization, we discuss the rules of capitalization; I point out words in their reading books that are capitalized and when writing that is the only rule I require them to adhere to. We do this until they have mastered capitalization. Then we start the task of learning a new rule such as punctuation.
Key Tactic #1
Attacking only one rule at a time.
Another aspect I like to focus strongly on is writing organization, teaching the student to write a proper beginning, middle, and end. I will have the student start out telling me their book report orally, and then we will together create an outline or use a graphic organizer. (Search on Pinterest using the phrase: writing graphic organizers) and you will find many helpful examples.
Key Tactic #2
Express ideas orally First
Key Tactic #3
Create an outline
This important first step will help your student map out their writing and prevent writer’s block, incomplete assignments, and not adhering to the assignment requirements.
Tactics 1,2, and 3 help develop the underlying rules and structure of writing. The logical and language parts. The other part to address is the connection between the hand eyes and brain. To develop these connections stronger you will want to work both on gross motor skills as well as fine motor skills. Cross lateral motions, also known as bilateral coordination exercises, are especially helpful because they strengthen the corpus callosum, the connector between the brain hemispheres. There is a strong correlation between proprioception (our awareness of our body in space) and writing ability. Physical exercises that are cross lateral, have a strong posture and require body awareness can be especially helpful and can help with emotional issues as well.
Tactic #4
Do Bilateral Coordination Exercises
Finer muscle coordination can be developed through fun exercises such as coloring books or many childhood games such as cats cradle.
Tactic #5
Use coloring books and other kids games to help develop finer motor skills.