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Mar 23
One of the children in my class has major problems not only does she have ‘learning difficulties’ she has now been diagnosed with severe DCD (Dysprixia). I am glad she has got this diagnoses because she really does deserve it and I am hoping it leads to a classroom assistant for her! Whatever the test was that the OT did it flagged up HOW poor her motor skills are, under a score of 5 was considered poor in this test she came out at 0.5. It really is painful to watch this child do anything that is motor related, it is hard not to jump in their and do it all for her BUT as all good teachers know this would not be good so I leave her to try.
Today was a meeting with the OT that carried out all these assessments on the poor girl and the outcome is that she is right hand dominant in everything BUT writing for which she uses her left hand. The problem is that her grip is so poor, awkward and clunky that is has been decided that we need to try and encourage the use of her right hand and yup you have guessed it – that is my job! I should point out that she can mark make with her right hand and that the grip, pressure on the pencil etc. is alot more fluid and natural than that of her left.
I am just NOT sure how to make this happen, how does one make a child change the hand she writes with? I feel that it is a miracle at the best of times that this child does right and is as keen as she is. SO how do I change her hand and writing style so that something that feels unnatural now will become natural and hopefully help her in the long run.
I am sure that there are a number of people who will not agree with what is being done but this child is 7 so is still young and has the ability to change for the better. I won’t force it to tears etc. If she won’t change then there is nothing that I can do! All I want are ideas to help this child so that the future achieves the best for her!
ANY suggestions no matter how small please can you give them to me.
Thanks in advance 
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Tim, Moby and the...
Hi Nat,
That sounds like a real challenge for you and the child. Have you thought about beginning with some fun art activities? Maybe using a pencil in both hands to try to create a range of patterns will develop a feel for the right hand. I assume you've been advised to try to change the hand as she will at some point feel more comfortable using her right hand to write with.
Hope it goes well, she is lucky to have a caring teacher who is willing to listen to advice.
This is indeed the reason! If you see my newest post you can see the grip she currently uses in her left hand! I am willing to do anything as this girl has so many problems and anything that helps will be for the best. I just hope that it works.