Dear Mom,

Because I have had little experience with dysgraphia, what I can offer to you are the strategies I would pursue for my own child. I understand that this is not something you want to overlook, and some of the strategies may seem like you are avoiding the issue, but stepping back a bit from the situation may be helpful for you and your daughter.

Since you have already tried handwriting workbooks, which are not working, I would recommend that you put those aside for now.

If you have not already done so, help your daughter find a pen or pencil that is comfortable to use. Although I worked as a calligrapher for several years, my own handwriting is now rather atrocious because I tore a tendon in my writing hand about ten years ago. I find triangular pencils and thick pens easier to grip even though these have not improved my handwriting. So see if your daughter prefers a thicker pen or pencil than the regular No. 2. 

Alternate between oral responses and written responses, especially if she appears frustrated by her handwriting. (The oral responses should be complete sentences.) Once we become frustrated, no matter what we do or how much we desire it, we cannot seem to do better. Instead make sure that you are focusing on the content of what she does write for the next year rather than the legibility, backward numbers, or capital letters in the middle of words. Because she is at the elementary level, there is still plenty of time for these issues to be corrected slowly one by one.

Meanwhile, during the next year, give her opportunities to paint, draw, or crochet--anything that will allow her to use her creativity and to use fine motor skills. Learning the alphabet in American Sign Language might be useful because she can make her spelling come alive with hand movements and alternate between signing her spelling words and writing them.

And teach her keyboarding skills because she will need those skills probably more than she will need legible handwriting as she gets older. I agree that legible handwriting is a definite bonus, but with all her other strengths, she is already above average.

Whether or not someone can overcome dysgraphia may depend upon the type of dysgraphia. To find out more about the types of dysgraphia, you will want to see a specialist. You may also wish to have her visit the family doctor for a regular physical exam. You can discuss this matter during the visit to see if further medical testing or assistance would be helpful.

Peace be with you,

Sandra Garant