Writing
Writing can be a bit of a challenge for a Dyslexic brain where too many pictures are competing for attention to get onto the paper first. When they do, the message sometimes looks like a mind-map of a genius, that nobody else can make sense of. The spelling mistakes aside, there are a lack of punctuation marks to separate the thoughts or the commas are just randomly placed to please the teacher.
There is a simpler way to stop the brain from spilling over.
It’s a sequence that might help some of these creative ideas to get the recognition they deserve:
1. Take a block of post-it notes
2. Dump each idea that comes up to the subject you are writing about. It can be a word, a phrase or a sentence on an individual piece of paper.
3. Sort the papers into 3 – 5 groups, that show a similar pattern.
4. It could also be pro- and con- answers to sort into two piles
5. These phrases, made into sentences and strung together will be the main part of the essay.
6. Only then add an introduction and an end that will sum up your argument.
Example: (younger children)
Do you like Camping? Why? or Why not?
Brainstorming: Mosquito bites, work to put up tents, fun with friends around fireplace, adults playing with us, rain, sport and games, adventures, playing the guitar, telling stories, bad beds, …
Sorting into groups: pro 1: ACTIVITIES (sport, adventures…) pro 2: RELATIONSHIPS (friends, games…) con 1: nature (rain, mosquitos…), con 2: hard work (tents up, firewood, toilet…)
Making sentences to group the ideas: Who doesn’t like an adventure? I had a fantastic time camping with my family and two friends with their parents. ….
Introduction: Camping is not for the fainthearted. I love it and we go camping for 2 weeks every summer…
Summary: I cannot wait for the Christmas holidays, when we pack up our tents again and meet up at xxx