"Do you assess printing with your kids with severe physical impairments? Most of my kids' printing looks like your example, more due to physical impairments rather than cognitive level. Just curious on your perspective on printing - how essential is it? I have my kiddos with severe physical limitations use letter stamps, typing or dictation rather than printing so they can show understanding rather than get frustrated by their motor impairments...but now am wondering if I should emphasize printing, too...Would love to hear your thoughts on this :)"
so I thought I would answer it here.
I usually do an initial assessment of my students as long as they can physically hold a pencil. If their physical impairment is such that even with therapy there is no or very slow improvement then I would switch to teaching them another method to print. This as well, depends on the age of the student and the amount of printing they are expected to do. My students are very young (3 and 4 years old). I think their lack of printing is due to their age and lack of exposure. Now, if that writing sample came from an 8 year old I would switch to another method for work such as using the computer or letter stamps etc. If I think the student could make gains in printing, I would still do some work on it, but not expect them to use that when completing work. I too am more concerned about whether or not they show understanding, rather than whether or not they have the ability to "print" the answer.
I hope this answers your question.
And in the meantime we will some fine motor activities like:
colouring
manipulating small objects
1 comment:
Thanks a lot for your great response, Mandy. I forgot that your kids come to you so young. I agree, age does make a difference. I still like using print and/or tracing for a kinesthetic support to word/letter work, and as an additional fine motor work task, more than to show understanding.
Thanks again!
Kara
Spedventures
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