Many children, especially children with an ADHD diagnosis,
become discouraged in their school work because their written work
does not show all the good ideas they have. They may just get
impatient with writing and find "it is a pain" to form all the
letters when they have the ideas already in their head. They write
in a quick or sloppy way so the teacher simply cannot read it.
Many of these children are able to improve both their grades and their
attitude toward their work when they can "bypass" the writing part with the use
of computer keyboarding. They seem to be more patient with the keyboarding activity
and the result always looks readable.
It is no longer essential for children to have good handwriting.
It is essential that they have a positive attitude toward learning.
Doctors are able to write a letter to the school to encourage a
classroom "accommodation" to use a computer. Schools often provide the
use of a computer without cost. This may need to be part of a formal
504 or IEP plan (special education services), or may be an informal arrangement with the school.
The child needs to be a good typist for these benefits to happen.
Learning how to type fast does not have to be a chore for children and it doesn't have to be an expense.
There are some enjoyable typing games enjoy on the website:
http://www.learninggamesforkids.com/keyboarding_games.html.
Another way to learn how to type is simply for the child to type the alphabet
from A to Z. You can time the alphabet typing. Getting below 20 seconds is a speed
that usually translates into a skill that will work in the classroom. Tell your child
you are going do an alphabet time challenge and let him/her practice typing the
alphabet and repeat the test from time to time.
Talk to your child's doctor and your child's teachers if you think your
child could benefit from keyboarding instead of writing. The school may require a formal evaluation.
Your child's doctor may want to have your child do a little typing test during the
office visit. If your doctor agrees your child could benefit from keyboarding, ask him/her
to write a letter to send to the school. Coordinate with your child's teacher to see what
steps need to be taken to get your child using a keyboard instead of writing.
