Dysgraphia means poor writing and has to do with its looks or penmanship and not the grammar aspect of putting thoughts on paper.

If you are dysgraphic or know someone who is, you are well aware that the manner in which schools operate is not in your favor.

Nearly one hundred percent of all information that teachers require of a student is displayed in the form of written communication.

Why do teachers and schools do this? It is a simple matter of time and efficiency. In order to keep students busy and to allow the teacher to have a record of a student's work, writing it down is the method of choice.

Students who have poor handwriting typically have two things that work against them: 1)they have practiced their poor penmanship for years, and 2) they have not had anyone spend time showing them how to write better.

NOTE: WHILE THE IDEAS PRESENTED BELOW ARE AIMED AT PROVIDING SOME ASSISTANCE IN HELPING A CHILD IMPROVE HANDWRITING SKILLS, UNLESS THERE IS A CONCERTED EFFORT ON THE PART OF HOME AND SCHOOL, ONLY A LITTLE PROGRESS IS LIKELY.

Here is an approach worth considering:

1. Discuss with your child the importance of legible handwriting. Use some examples to get your point across.

One of the best lessons is to leave your child a note that is in less-than-perfect handwriting telling them about something delicious that you have prepared for them. Note where it is but make that part illegible. To make this lesson work, it is important that the item is not in a typical place; that is, you do not want your child to find it. Upon your return, ask if your child got your note, and hopefully you will get an ear full about how your note could not be read. This is the beginning of your lesson on the importance of good penmanship.

Look for other ways to get your point across. The handwriting of doctors and the importance of the ability of the pharmacist to understand it becomes a life and death matter.

The ability of the typist to read the writing of the boss can be another example.

2. Get a verbal response from your child that he or she indeed wants to have better handwriting. DO NOT PROCEED UNTIL YOUR CHILD HONESTLY WANTS TO HAVE BETTER HANDWRITING. You will have a much harder time helping your child improve unless there is that desire.

3. Commit to your child that you are going to do all you can to help him improve his writing.
Part of your commitment involves learning as much as you can about how to help. The Internet and

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