EDUCATOR NEWS

Vol. 15 No. 2 May 2026

Writing/Dysgraphia

DEVOTION

"Fearfully and Wonderfully Made" - A Devotion for Teachers

“I praise You because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Your works are wonderful, I know that full well.” (Psalm 139:14)

In the daily rhythm of your classroom, you encounter a beautiful and holy truth: no two students are the same. Each learner brings a distinct set of strengths, challenges, personalities, and ways of seeing the world. For those of you who serve students with special needs, this truth is not abstract—it is lived out in every lesson, every moment of patience, every breakthrough, and even in the struggles.

Psalm 139 reminds us that this diversity is not accidental. It is intentional. Each student entrusted to your care has been knit together by God Himself. In our daily walk, we confess that God is the Creator of all, and that His creation is good—even in a world affected by sin. While we recognize the brokenness that can impact body and mind, we also boldly affirm that every person bears God’s image and is deeply loved by Him.

This means that the student who learns differently, communicates uniquely, or progresses more slowly is no less “wonderfully made.” In fact, through them, God often reveals His works in ways that challenge our assumptions and expand our understanding of grace. Their perseverance, joy, honesty, and trust can become living testimonies of God’s presence!

READ ENTIRE DEVOTION

SPECIAL EDUCATION ARTICLE

Writing/Dysgraphia

Dysgraphia is considered a specific learning disability under IDEA and, while no longer an official diagnosis in the DSM (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders), it does fall under the category of "specific learning disorder". Dysgraphia causes difficulty with writing skills, both the process of organizing thoughts and getting them down on paper and/or with the physical act of writing. Understood.org defines dysgraphia, lists the signs, discusses how it is diagnosed, and how to help students. Click here to read the article.

APPS

The "Summer Writing Guide", by Learning Works for Kids, suggests a variety of apps and online games to help with writing. A description of each app and game is included which can help teachers and parents determine which ones would be most beneficial to their student or child. Categories include broad-based writing apps, spelling, typing, creative writing, written organization, and dictation. While the page is directed towards parents and summer activities, most can be used in the classroom and any time of year. Click here to visit the site.

STRATEGIES/TIPS/MATERIALS

Understood.org lists 8 tools for students with dysgraphia. A description of each is provided and a few have links with downloadable or printable samples, such as graphic organizers. Click here to see the list.

Edutopia discusses whole-class strategies aligned with Universal Design for Learning to help students develop fine motor skills. An overview of the struggles students with fine motor skills face is provided, followed by strategies that include manipulatives, different types of pencils and grips, desk height, and instructional techniques and exercises. Learn more here.

"11 Ways to Boost Elementary Students' Spelling Skills", also by Edutopia, provides a variety of strategies and exercises that teachers can use in the classroom to help with spelling. The recommendations include teaching related words, contextualizing word-study activities, using real-world materials, and more. Click here to learn more.

WORTHY WEBSITE

Dysgraphia Life is an organization that provides information, resources, and research on dysgraphia. The resource section offers handwriting resources, multi-sensory resources, technology resources, and a bookstore. A couple of free webinars are also available Separate tabs at the top of the homepage offer additional information specifically for parents as well as one for teens and adults, including tips for college. Visit the site here.

LUTHERAN SPECIAL EDUCATION MINISTRIES

www.luthsped.org