Ep. 15: When writing is hard for kids

As someone deeply immersed in the world of writing, recent experiences with report writing and engaging conversations about memoirs have brought to light the challenges many kids face with ADHD or autism when it comes to expressing themselves on paper. It's a topic that's been on my mind, especially as I launch a new podcast, "Between the Lines," where authors discuss the intricacies of the writing process.

These challenges extend beyond learning disorders, impacting attention, language processing, and executive functioning. Delving into cognitive areas, working memory and processing speed emerge as crucial factors. Working memory, essential for remembering instructions and organising thoughts, can be a significant hurdle.

To tackle these challenges, I will propose five strategies. Extra scaffolding involves breaking down tasks into manageable parts, reducing the burden on working memory. I will discuss how visual aids and graphic organisers offer a visual way for kids to structure their ideas before diving into writing. Teaching effective time management skills addressing both working memory and executive functioning challenges will also be mentioned. Processing speed drills, explicit instructions and regular practice will be explained.

So, let’s dive into today’s episode as we explore more in future discussions, the goal remains clear: to empower these children on their educational journey.

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