Are you looking for simple ways to help students who cannot finish sentences ot complete thoughts when writing? If so, keep reading.
1. Praise the student for using finished sentences or thoughts when writing: (a) give the student a concrete reward (e.g., privileges such as leading the line, handing out learning materials, 10 minutes of free time, etc.) or (b) give the student an informal reward (e.g., praise, handshake, smile, etc.).
2. Make the student proofread all written work and reinforce them for finishing sentences or thoughts in legible handwriting.
3. Converse with the student and explain that they are using unfinished sentences or thoughts when writing and explain the importance of expressing finished thoughts in written work.
4. Teach the student the difference between communicating orally and in written form. On occasions where speaking, using unfinished or run-on sentences, pronouns without referents, etc., is more acceptable because non-oral signals can be used to clarify the message. However, such signals are not available in written work.
5. On occasions where correcting the student’s written work, make sure to give written and oral evaluative feedback that is designed to be instructional (e.g., help the student rewrite for better conclusion of sentences or thoughts, rewrite legibly for student, etc.).
6. Give the student, both orally and in written form, with sentence starters (e.g., Go __, Run __, Today __. Anyone can __, etc.) and have them write finished sentences.
7. Utilize various size pencils or pencil grips to assist the student with fine motor skills to produce acceptable writing.
8. Get the student to correct a sequence of phrases by making each a finished sentence.
9. Teach the student to proofread each sentence in isolation to check for a finished thought.
10. Give the student appropriate time limits for the conclusion of written tasks.
11. Teach the student to use a typewriter or computer if inadequate fine motor skills make handwriting skills complicated for him/her.
12. Utilize adhesive content (e.g., tape, etc.) to keep paper positioned properly for handwriting.
13. Consider using one of the apps on one of our best writing apps lists:
The Tech Edvocate’s List of 31 Grammar & Writing Apps, Tools & Resources
Ten Apps to Help Learners Develop Writing Skills
10 of the Best Grammar and Writing Apps for Elementary School Learners
11 of the Best Grammar and Writing Apps for High School Learners
10 of the Best Grammar and Writing Apps for Middle School Learners
