Are you looking for ways to teach kids to take pride in their work? If so, keep reading.
1. Observe the first problem or part of the task to make sure the student knows what is expected.
2. Teach the student procedures for improving accuracy and quality of work (e.g., listen to instructions, make sure instructions are grasped, work at an acceptable pace, check for errors, correct for neatness, copy the work over, etc.).
3. Give instructions and task format in an assortment of ways (e.g., oral instructions, written instructions, demonstrations, simulations, manipulative, drill learning activities with peers, etc.).
4. Slowly lessen the space between lines as the student’s handwriting improves.
5. Let/require the student to make corrections after tasks have been reviewed the first time.
6. Give the student quality learning materials to perform tasks (e.g., pencil with eraser, paper, dictionary, handwriting sample, etc.).
7. Get the student to trace handwriting models and fade the model as the student develops the skill.
8. Get the student to record the number of times their handwriting is acceptable during a given week.
9. Give the student samples of work that may serve as models for acceptable levels of accuracy and quality (e.g., the student is to match the quality of the sample before turning in the task).
10. Complete the first few problems of a task with the student to make sure that they know what to do, how to finish the task, etc.
11. Give a wide assortment of handwriting chances for the student to practice handwriting skills (e.g., writing letters to sports and entertainment figures, relatives, friends; writing for free information on a topic in which the student is interested, etc.).
12. Give the student ample chance to master handwriting skills (e.g., instruction in letter positioning, direction, spacing, etc.).
13. Get the student to read/go over schoolwork with the teacher so the student can become aware of the quality of their work.
14. Build varying degrees of difficulty into tasks to enable the student’s self-confidence and at the same time give a challenge (e.g., easier problems are intermingled with problems designed to measure knowledge gained).
15. Create levels of expectations for quality handwriting performance and require the student to correct or repeat tasks until the expectations are met.
16. Let the student perform schoolwork in a quiet space (e.g., study carrel, library, resource room, etc.) to lessen distractions.
17. Give the student a selection of tasks and require them to select a minimum number from the total amount (e.g., present the student with 10 academic tasks from which 6 must be finished that day).
18. Observe the student while they are performing schoolwork to monitor accuracy and quality.
19. Give the student clearly stated step-by-step instructions for homework so someone at home may be able to assist.
20. Give the student clearly stated criteria for acceptable work.
21. Consider using assistive technology designed to help students to attention deficit hyperactivity disorder to concentrate. Click here to view list of assistive technology apps that we recommend.
