31 for 21 Day 16: Writing Practice

One of the challenges we have been facing with Colin in school is his attention span and patience to sit down and complete assignments for sustained periods of time.  One of the reasons for this is because there are aspects of each assignment that are challenging for Colin whether it is because it requires writing to complete the assignment, too many tasks for one assignment, etc.  What we have been trying to brainstorm is ways to cut down each assignment so that the true focus is only on the one main task for each assignment.  For example, if it requires writing in order to complete but it's not time to practice writing, then an alternate way to show answers and complete the tasks should be done (bingo dotters, stickers, etc.).

 

Because of the low muscle tone in Colin's hand, it is difficult for him to hold the writing utensil and write for long periods of time.  Even something simple such as coloring has been a challenge, however, we have been finding that Colin's interest level on completing these types of activities has been improving.  Over the weekend last week, Colin was really into practicing tracing his letters and numbers and it was sustained for a long period of time. 

I found that if we did some gross motor activities to start (jumping, running, high fives, etc.) then he was ready and excited to sit down and work.  I would give him a break to get up and jump again (we were jumping off of the fireplace - it's a low ledge).  He was also motivated to sit on the floor instead of at a table so that also helped to keep his interest level as well. 

We are also brainstorming with the occupational therapist at Colin's school ways for him to complete writing activities that may be motivational.  One way is to have him stand up at a wall to write so that he is working against gravity (a way to help build hand strength) while completing the task in a way other than sitting at the table. 

I have also noticed that when a task becomes slightly easier for Colin, his confidence grows as well which helps to improve on his interest level.