Writing something down
When you ask a student to write something down, they have to:
a. Hear, see or understand the instruction
b. Understand the instruction is for them
c. Understand what they have to write down
d. Be able to see or hear what they need to write down
Let’s look more closely at how an impairment/ specific needs might impact a child’s ability to write something down:
| Disability | Potential Issue | Inclusive & Accessible Solutions |
| Physical | ||
| Impacting: Mobility Dexterity Stamina Fatigue | Student unable to hold the pen. Student finds it hard to control the object or the paper | Offer student a choice of writing implements, Add a grip, such as modelling clay, tape or even a potato!! Provide a keyboard or typewriter Allow the pupil to use voice to text function on a tablet or phone. Fix the paper down, angle the paper, provide an angled desk. |
| Developmental | ||
| Impacting: Understanding Learning Memory Social interactions | Student can’t remember the letter what the letters look like Student can’t remember what to write down Pupil did not understand what they had to write down | Provide pupil with an image of the letters, or a raised outline that can be felt with fingertips. Write a checklist so the student can tick off tasks Use different words to explain the task. Ask the student if they understand the task, or get them to repeat it to you. |
| Behavioural/emotional | ||
| Impacting: Mental health Social interactions Behaviour Stress and anxiety levels | Pupil finds the task overwhelming | Break the task down into stages so the pupil can complete the task step by step. |
| Sensory impaired | ||
| Impacting: Vision Hearing Touch Taste Smell | Pupil can’t see the paper clearly Pupil can’t see what they are writing Pupil did not hear the instruction Pupil does not like the feel of the writing implement | Provide coloured paper Allow pupils to type or write in large font Communicate the task in a written form or speak slowly so the pupils can lip read. Try different writing objects or grips. |
What else can you add to the table?