Motor planning difficulties, also known as apraxia or dyspraxia, can significantly impact a student’s ability to perform everyday tasks and participate in classroom activities. Motor planning difficulties can affect fine motor skills, such as writing and drawing, as well as gross motor skills, such as walking and running.
As a teacher or caregiver, there are several strategies you can use to support students with motor planning difficulties. By following these strategies, you can help students with motor planning difficulties succeed in the classroom.
In this article, we will discuss the following strategies for supporting students with motor planning difficulties:
- Using visual cues
- Using multisensory approaches
- Breaking tasks into smaller steps
- Using technology
- Providing accommodations
- Incorporating movement breaks
- Using visual schedules
- Providing positive reinforcement
- Collaborating with other professionals
- Fostering a supportive classroom environment
Visual cues: Visual cues can be anything from pictures or diagrams to real-life objects. For example, you could use a picture of a shoe to help a student learn how to tie their shoes. You could also use a real-life shoe and have the student practice tying it while they are looking at the picture.
Multisensory approaches: Multisensory approaches involve using multiple senses to learn and remember information. For example, you could have a student practice writing their name in the sand, on a chalkboard, and on paper. You could also have them feel the different textures of the letters as they are writing them.
Breaking tasks into smaller steps: Breaking tasks into smaller steps can make them seem less daunting and more manageable. For example, instead of asking a student to write a whole paragraph, you could ask them to write a sentence or even just a few words.
Using technology: Technology can be a great way to support students with motor planning difficulties. For example, speech-to-text software can help students who struggle with writing. You could also use a computer or tablet to help students with tasks like cutting and pasting.
Providing accommodations: Accommodations are changes that can be made to the learning environment to help students with disabilities succeed. For example, you could give a student with motor planning difficulties extra time to complete a test or you could allow them to use a computer or tablet to take notes.
Incorporating movement breaks: Movement breaks can help students with motor planning difficulties release excess energy and improve their ability to focus. For example, you could have students get up and move around every 20 minutes or so.
Using visual schedules: Visual schedules can help students with motor planning difficulties understand the sequence of tasks and manage their time effectively. For example, you could create a visual schedule that shows them what they need to do each day.
Providing positive reinforcement: Positive reinforcement can help motivate students with motor planning difficulties and build their confidence. For example, you could give them a sticker or a small prize when they complete a task successfully.
Collaborating with other professionals: Collaborating with occupational therapists or physical therapists can help you develop strategies and accommodations that support students with motor planning difficulties. For example, an occupational therapist can help you assess a student’s motor skills and develop a plan to improve them.
Fostering a supportive classroom environment: Creating a supportive classroom environment that encourages collaboration, patience, and understanding can help students with motor planning difficulties thrive. For example, you could have students work together on projects or you could be patient when they are struggling with a task.
By following these strategies, you can help students with motor planning difficulties succeed in the classroom.
Here are some additional tips for supporting students with motor planning difficulties:
- Be patient and understanding. Students with motor planning difficulties may take longer to complete tasks than their peers.
- Provide clear and concise instructions. Students with motor planning difficulties may have difficulty understanding complex instructions.
- Break down tasks into smaller steps. This will make tasks seem less daunting and more manageable.
- Use visual aids. Visual aids can help students understand the steps involved in a task.
- Provide positive reinforcement. Positive reinforcement can help motivate students and build their confidence.
- Collaborate with other professionals. Occupational therapists and physical therapists can provide additional support and guidance.
- Create a supportive classroom environment. A supportive classroom environment can help students feel confident and successful.