Dysgraphia*

DIL came up Saturday for a short visit. Had some barware, photos, a pasta machine and raclette grill for her to haul back with her.

In talking about her classes this year, she mentioned that one of her students has a condition called "dysgraphia." Evidently, it can occur when a person who is strongly left-handed is forced to write solely with their right hand. She noticed several instances in her student's work that reflected characteristics of SS's handwriting.

He does write upside down and she pointed out the problems with letter formation, some letters backwards, and many not complete. He also uses a strange mix of upper- and lower-case letters, possibly due to difficulties in controlling hand movements.

This situation has been frustrating for all concerned. The schools, us, his step-siblings, and most of all for him. He resists the school's efforts to help him with letter formation and hand movement. Probably a pride-thing going on with that.

DIL says that her student was told to start doing things left-handed. Brush teeth, for instance, then work your way up to trying handwriting.

I think, when SS gets home this evening, his father is planning on talking to him about trying a left-handed approach.

We shall see. It would be much better for him to get this straightened out before he gets any older. I will see how it goes before I say anything to the teachers, too.


* I haven't looked this up yet but plan on doing so. What do you think, E?