Dyslexic writers : what educators can do to improve writing for dyslexic students
Capstone Project (B.A.) Liberal Studies Department
Abstract
Writing is a complex task that is required in nearly every academic subject area. Often, it involves using a multitude of language based skills such as spelling, vocabulary usage, fine motor skills (physical writing), comprehension of ideas, sequence of concepts, and text organization. Dyslexic students will spend some much of their time in mainstream classrooms performing a variety of writing tasks, such as sentence, paragraph, or essay writing. Students with dyslexia often have weaknesses in these foundational skills that can, at times, impair their ability to succeed in writing. Research suggests that implementing support in the form of academic support, spellchecks, organizers, and editing tools will help dyslexic students make greater progress in writing. It is important for teachers and administrators to continue to find simple and accessible ways to make these types of supports available for students with dyslexia.