Son Hates to Write, and Color

Instead of having the paper flat on the table in front of him, try getting a big roll of paper, and putting some on a wall in front of him, or on a sturdy easel. Then he can use markers to make BIG letters, and the different angle for his hand may feel better. When he conquers that, move on to a slanted surface. I assume he has an IEP at school, so they should be willing to make these adaptations for him there as well.

To build the muscles in his hands, lots of playdoh and clay work is good. You can work up from the softer playdoh to some of the harder clays. Have you seen those hairy rubber balls they sell at walmart and other places? When you squeeze them, they "bulge" out, and kids think it's really cool, and that encourages squeezing their hands and can help build muscles in their hands.

Working with scissors can help. Cutting paper, or building playdoh snakes and then cutting them.

Operation! This game is all about the pincer grip. You may want to let him play without turning the buzzer on at first. The sound may scare him enough he won't want to play again.

I wonder if his hands hurt to do these things? Could the muscles be tight in his hands from the SB? What about getting one of those bed buddy things warmed up, and letting him squeeze that for a few minutes before trying to write? That always feels good on my hands when they're stiff or sore. (A bed buddy is just a tube sock filled with plain white rice, and you nuke it for a couple minutes and it makes a nice heat pack)

My friend's son with SB has trouble writing as well. She pulled him out after about 4th grade to homeschool him. She said it is fairly common with SB, and I believe she called it dysgraphia. Dysgraphia is to writing what dyslexia is to reading. A google search will bring up lots of websites with ideas to help.

My friend lives in Holland, Michigan, and I'm sure she'd be happy to talk with you through e-mail about your shared experiences. Her son Justin will be 14 in June. Let me know if you're interested.

Hi L.,
First-- I must say that Susan gave you some GREAT suggestions. That woman is on the BALL!
Even though it's something he doesn't enjoy, and may seem unneccessary and silly to some, the drawing and coloring in Kindergarten isn't "just for the sake of drawing"-- it's actually all developing pre-writing skills, helping the hands and fingers to develop the fine motor skills necessary for writing and forming letters and numbers.
I think something that may be necessary, is an appointment with an orthopedist-- it's important for you to know whether or not his resistance to writing is because of physical pain and/or discomfort. He may not like writing just because it's a little difficult for him, he doesn't think it's good enough, and therefore doesn't even want to try. BUT it may actually be that positioning his hands for writing, and having to hold that grip is painful. If so, that strongly needs to be considered and adapted into an IEP.
It IS important for him to learn to write-- not writing can be as crippling sometimes as not reading. So you don't want the IEP to exclude any and all writing activities, always giving him a way OUT of writing. But it should lessen his "writing burden" and slowly build his skills and tolerance up to a level as in line with his grade level as possible.

Best wishes!
T.

Hi L.,
You know....I never understood why children were forced to do things they don't enjoy, if there is no significant harm in having them forgo the activity. Don't get me wrong. I understand that schools are just trying to produce well-rounded kids with an appreciation for all subjects, but maybe some kids are just not interested in art, but would prefer building blocks, math or science. Instead of fostering the child's interest and encouraging his/her growth in the subjects they do like, why are they forced to draw and color? I'm sure your child's teacher may be a wonderful teacher, but maybe his teacher might want to spend more time understanding your child's interests. Just a thought. Sorry I haven't been much help. This is just my opinion. I realize that I am not an experienced professional in the subject of children with special needs.

have you tried special pencils and crayons? Like larger ones or a special holding device that makes using them easier.

I thought I read once that the constant small motions of hands really irritate children with SB.

There are toys you can drill through and insert pencils and I have a car maker by crayola that melts crayons into fun car shapes that are much bigger and more fun to use.

http://www.amazon.com/Crayola-Gadget-Headz-Car-Factory/dp...

Hi. My son is also 6 and in kindergarten. My son has a speech problem as well as an attention problem. When I got him in to school he had this same problem. Didnt want to the work put before him, didnt want to do it at home either. Well with the help of the teachers and demanding some respect as his mother; he was asked to write about one thing he liked. (cars/trucks) Then once he did that he was allowed to color one pic of a car/truck (which ever he wrote). My son likes cars and trucks and monster trucks all that stuff so thats why I picked that for his 'task'. Its just an idea, almost sounds like bribery but for us it worked. Found something he really liked and used that as a tool for work and then a reward. Good luck!!!

Hello L.,
It sounds like your little boy is also a bit of a perfectionist. Maybe he feels what he can produce is not good enough or doesnt look simaliar to the other kids. And a bit embarrased by it. That alone can make him refuse to try. I have a little girl that has to be the best at everything and if shes not she shuts down. It's allot better now then in the past. Letting them know what they can do and how they do it is thier own special mark in the world. And its the most beautiful mark you have ever seen. Encourage him at home to color charcatures he enjoys watching on TV, simple work sheets (connect the dots, matching.....) Nick Jr.com has lots to choose from . Making him belive he can do it is the challenge. They can get so stuburn!!! I wish you the best of luck. I know its hard to see your child struggle, we want the best for them and for them to never hurt. He will come around. I just thought of soomething else. Maybe try painting at home. He may like the bright colors and bold markings. Best of luck to you again. : )