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Can I be honest? I love writing myself, but I don’t like teaching writing. Maybe you’ve seen it too – many children who are neurodivergent and/or have additional learning needs really struggle with writing. Many of my past students came to me already hating writing! It can be a hard battle to fight. I have found some writing support tools that really help students focus on the task at hand. These simple supports have lessened some of the struggle for many of my kids.
1.) Chewable pencil topper
Believe it or not, sensory needs can get in the way of academic activities, like writing, if we don’t address them effectively! These pencil toppers are chewable, and super durable. Offering this as a sensory tool for students can offer some input.
2.) Sentence spacers
I love that these writing support tools come in a classroom set. This allows all students in writing to have access to supports if they need them! These cute astronauts are used to give enough space in between words when writing. Having this physical and visual prompt is key for so many students! I also love that there is a large one included for adult modeling.
3.) Bouncy bands
If you chat with any occupational therapist, they’ll tell you that body positioning is crucial to stress free writing! Having students sit so their feet are grounded is step 1. Well, what if that’s not enough? Bouncy bands are beyond helpful for students and one of those fairly simple writing support tools. You could even pull out the bouncy bands just for writing!
4.) Clip board slant board
This slant board is such a game changer. I love it’s durability, plus the clip board feature allows for ease of use. Students with fine motor challenges and/or visual perception needs often respond really well to the slanted surface that a slant board can provide! Check with your district’s assistive technology department, they often have these to offer students!
5.) Dry erase pockets
These writing support tools just make sense. Student wants a change and a new writing utensil? Perfect. Toss their paper into a pocket and give them a dry erase marker. Done! Student struggling with erasing their pencil? Dry erase pockets to the rescue. These are also so simple for teachers as we don’t have to stress about laminating all the things!
Which writing support tools are added to your wish list?
