Customer Reviews

The Writing Dilemma: Understanding Dysgraphia

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The best part of this book is Dr. Melvin Levine's introduction. I would like to have read more of the doctor's analysis of this condition. The author only had the benefit of a six day class with Dr. Levine. I think a solid two semesters of pediatric neuropsychology would be more appropriate for anyone working in this area or teaching in general!

Although the author does a good job of describing the condition and has some excellent examples provided by afflicted children, she largely fails to provide a practical way out. She does little to discuss testing and how parents can deal with teachers and school systems. The bulk of the book is a blizzard of educationese about teaching writing. I am dealing with a 7th grader and her technics seems more appropriate to third graders.Fortunately, it is not an expensive book and I recommend it for that. You may find something useful here but I can't raise your hopes too high.

I can't tell you how many meetings with teachers I had about my child's illegible handwriting. My student broke and destroyed pencils in frustration from Kindergarten on through middle and high school. It's tempting to think "If they would only try harder - to leave spaces between the words, to hold the pencil correctly, to form the letters the correct way, to write on the line....." This book helped me understand what was going on and to focus on ways to make progress. Regina Richards has many wonderful ideas!
The Writing Dilemma also helped our family to stand back and appreciate our student apart from the handwriting issue. Also, legibility has been achieved and that is a tremendous relief for all of us. I recommend this book!