Examples of Writing Difficulties

Short-Term Memory

• Struggles remembering the correct spelling of words

• Difficulty copying information from the board or text

Working Memory

• Difficulty tracking what the student is writing

• Problems organizing thoughts in writing

• Problems integrating organization and grammar

• Difficulties sequencing ideas

• Difficulty remembering all the steps required in the written language process (spelling, punctuation, spacing, organization, clarity, etc.)

• Difficulties with note-taking

• Difficulty contemplating the meaning of written material while applying prior knowledge

Writing Strategies

• Teach student to use the COPS strategy (a proofreading strategy where the student completes each step separately (rereads their writing four times prior to completion)

  • Capitalize the first word of each sentence

  • Organize the information by reviewing topic sentences and double check paragraph breaks

  • Punctuation

  • Spelling

• Teach the student to use a Self-monitoring rubric that includes: Ideas, Organization, Work Choice, Conventions, Audience Awareness

• Pre-writing (using graphic organizers)

• Drafting (use model to take notes and model how to organize in a text form using topic sentences)

• Revising (second draft emphasizing content, elaboration of ideas, and making connections)

• Editing (rereading for capitalization and punctuation errors)

• Publishing (peer assisted strategies and teaching students to give and receive feedback based upon a writing rubric)

Accommodations

• Have a word bank available

• Use a recorder to record ideas prior to writing them down

• Assistive technology