What is Dyspraxia?
Although there is no internationally agreed formal definition or description of the term ‘dyspraxia’, in Ireland ‘dyspraxia’ is sometimes used in a very broad way to refer to children who have (fine and/or gross) motor difficulties plus difficulties with: speech, organisation, planning, sequencing, working memory and various other psychological, emotional and social problems.
Implications for Learning
Suggested strategies for the mainstream classroom
Although there is no internationally agreed formal definition or description of the term ‘dyspraxia’, in Ireland ‘dyspraxia’ is sometimes used in a very broad way to refer to children who have (fine and/or gross) motor difficulties plus difficulties with: speech, organisation, planning, sequencing, working memory and various other psychological, emotional and social problems.
Implications for Learning
- Difficulty organising materials for class
- Difficulty with writing for long periods of time. Some student will be granted use of a laptop by the department of education on physical grounds.
- Handwriting can be messy and even illegible
- Difficulty with sequencing their ideas orally and/or on paper
- Difficulty managing fine motor tasks: using a compass, chopping food, gripping and using a ruler etc.
Suggested strategies for the mainstream classroom
- Use writing frames to help organise and structure their ideas
- Graphic organisers to help manage content of the lesson
- Mindmap/ brainstorm ideas before writing
- Suggest using a non-slip ruler like this one: https://www.sensationalkids.ie/product/maped-kiddy-grip-ruler/
- Provide written step-by-step instructions for tasks
- Think, pair, share to provide time to collect and articulate thoughts
- Provide ‘rest-breaks’ during intense writing tasks. This will allow students to practice hand stretches and exercises to relieve pain or discomfort.
- Colour coding
- Clear ziplock 'tuff' wallets for each subject to aid organisation like these: https://www.bakerross.ie/a4-plus-clear-tuff-bags?&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIwpG9-42R4AIVrr_tCh36uAJ-EAQYASABEgIfb_D_BwE
- Sequencing exercises (cutting up text and reorganising, reordering stories etc.)
- Permit long pieces of writing or homework to be typed