Writing Aids

Pens & Grips Notes Portable Desks/Stands Electronic Tools

Like reading, writing skills also can be enhanced with no or low-tech aids and devices. Office and business supply stores have a wealth of materials that can support writing activities. Start looking at "standard" tools with new and creative uses in mind.

Simple adaptations, like smooth-writing pens that are comfortable to hold, can make the difference between needing physical assistance and working independently.
Having materials well positioned may be all that's needed to make them accessible.

Pens & Grips

Marker Pens & Uniball Vision Roller Pens (Sanford)
These pens have thick barrels to hold onto and a broad enough point to make a wide line that can hide unsteady writing. Sharpie fine points and Expresso medium point pens are favorites.

Built-up grips (Sammons Preston)
Some students can more easily grasp and hold pens, pencils or markers if they're built up and made larger. There are several non-slip "pencil grips" on the market that can help. (Students have slid a foam roller over a pencil grip to make it even bigger.)

Model Magic (Crayola)
For a real customized fit; wrap a small amount of Model Magic clay around the writing tool. Place the student's hand around it and gently press and remove. The customized hand mold will dry and be ready to use after one hour!

Notes

Post-it Notes (3M)
Tack notes on computer screens, books, papers, and use for notices anywhere. Dispensers are heavy-weighted for easy, one-handed dispensing.

Portable Desks/Stands

Portable desks can provide a stable writing surface for students in different positions. This "editor's desk" by Levenger's consists of a slanted writing surface with an upper shelf to hold books and papers in a comfortable reading position. The bottom has a ledge to prevent pencils from rolling off. The stand creates the ideal writing angle.

Electronic Tools

Micro-cassette Recorders
If a student can't write, he or she can still record information with a cassette recorder while in the cafeteria, on the playground, on the bus or walking down the street. Use it to record class activities, homework assignments or your own brainstorms. Any inexpensive model ($30 or less) will do. Buy them from electronic stores or mail order companies.

Speaking Language Master (Franklin)
The Franklin Speaking Language Master uses state-of-the-art speech technology to pronounce words aloud. It also provides an expanded dictionary, an extensive thesaurus and spelling correction. A built-in guide and word games complete this ultimate language resource.

Speaking Spelling and Handwriting Ace (Franklin)
The Ace pronounces and correctly spells 80,000 words for auditory reinforcement. A keyboard echo lets the student hear each letter pronounced as the key is pressed.

Speaking Homework WizT (Franklin)
The Wiz answers the question "How can I look it up if I don't know how to spell it?" It includes spell check and dictionary features. Moreover, it pronounces all words and provides definitions!