Anecdote: A Tip To Modify Handwriting
Nadia Shanab | Uncategorized16 Jan 2013
A student with gigantic handwriting had trouble following directions like:
“You are writing too big!” or “Write smaller!” or “You need to fit all the words in the assigned space!” or “You are running out of space!”…
Today while the student was writing I told him: “Johnny, are you watering your alphabet letters everyday?” While modeling with my hands a growing action sign I continued: “Your letters have grown so big since yesterday!”
Johnny couldn’t help laughing and was bent in two and his eyes were tearing. We laughed about it together. He thought it was so funny.
When he calmed down, he resumed writing but in a very tiny handwriting that I couldn’t read it.
Now Johnny has realized that he can control the size of his letters. His perspective has changed regarding the appropriate size of handwriting.
What did I do? I used a metaphore that helped the student visualize the problem.
Many children with ASD rely on their visual skills. We might as well take advantage of it.
It is a joy to work with children on the autism spectrum. Be creative and build on their strengths.
nadia shanab
Tags: flexibility, handwriting
