Tips, Tricks and Tools for Writing

Tips, Tricks and Tools Tips, Tricks and Tools for Writingfor Writing

C.A.S.E. Assistive Technology TeamPaula Costello MS, OTRLTricia Sharkey MA CCC-SLP/L Mary May, Orthopedically Impaired Itinerant TeacherBarb Layer, Orthopedically Impaired Itinerant Teacher

Writing Instruction Writing Instruction ComponentsComponentsI. Writing Process

II. Transcription Skills

III. Language Structures

I. Writing ProcessI. Writing Process

Writing Process: ◦Brainstorming/Planning/Organization ◦Editing and Proofreading◦Drafting

6 + 1 Traits6 + 1 TraitsStages of Writing Process 6 +1 Traits

PLANNING Ideas

Organization

DRAFTING Word Choice

Voice

Sentence Fluency

REVISE/EDIT Conventions

Presentation

Brainstorming, Planning and Brainstorming, Planning and OrganizationOrganizationGenerating Ideas:

◦What do I have to say?Setting goals:

◦Who am I writing to and what do I want to communicate to them?

Organizing: ◦In what form will I express my ideas?

◦What will I include and what will I

leave out?

Supports/ToolsSupports/Tools

Assistive Technology supports and tools should be thought of on a continuum ranging from low to high technologic supports.

Writing ProcessWriting ProcessTask: Brainstorming/Planning/OrganizingTask: Brainstorming/Planning/Organizing

Low Tech- Paper Graphic

Organizers- Dry erase boards

- Checklists

- Models- Headings- Post It notes

Mid Tech High Tech Computer

software with word processing capabilities

Word features

outline or notebook view; Audio notes toolbar

Software

Inspiration

Draft Builder

Kurzweil

Web Tools

DraftingDraftingGenerating the language:

◦How do I translate my ideas into words?

◦How do I select good words? ◦How do I connect ideas within and

between my sentences?Transcription:

◦What spelling and punctuation marks do I need to include?

Writing ProcessWriting ProcessTask: DraftingTask: Drafting

Low Tech- Outlines

- Sentence Starters

- Model assignments

- Use of checklist in writing process

- Photographs to support writing

- Word banks

- List of transition words and phrases

Mid Tech High Tech - Interactive Writing

Software

Examples:

- Classroom Suite

- Kurzweil

- Read/Write Gold

- SOLO

Co-Writer,

Write OutLoud, Read OutlLoud Draft Builder

- Clicker 5

- Clozepro

- Word Q

Revision and EditingRevision and EditingRead and Review:

◦Is the message complete, logical and clear?

Revise and edit: ◦Did I engage my audience? ◦Did I use conventional grammar and

spelling?◦What should I delete, add or change?

Writing ProcessWriting ProcessTask: Revision/EditingTask: Revision/Editing

Low Tech- Word Walls - Portable file folder

word walls

- Cards/Books

- Dictionary

- Thesaurus

Mid Tech - Hand Held

Dictionary/spell checker

- Electronic Dictionary

- Electronic Thesaurus

High Tech - Computer Software to

support word processing (spell checker, thesaurus)

- Screen/Text Reader

- Talking Word Processor

- Interactive Writing Software

II. Transcription SkillsII. Transcription Skills

Transcription: ◦Spelling◦Handwriting/Keyboarding◦Capitalization/Punctuation

LOW TECHLOW TECH MID TECH MID TECH HIGH TECH HIGH TECH

Transcription Skill

Task: Spelling

•Dictionary•Word wall/banks/lists

•Hand held audio spell checker •Spell checker in Word Processor•Built –in-features of Word Processor•Stand alone spell checker with speech and auto correct•CoWriter•Picture Support Software PixWriter Clicker5•WebBased software such as Ginger

LOW TECH MID TECH HIGH LOW TECH MID TECH HIGH TECHTECH

Transcription Skill

Task: Keyboarding

•Handwriting programs: e.g.. HWT•Keyboarding vs. Handwriting- Writing Productivity Profile (Website)•Keyboarding Programs -Type to Learn-Custom Typing-Dance Mat Typing

•Key guard

•Keyboard Stickers

• Portable Word Processors

•Software Strategies and Accessibility options:

-color background-Font size-Sticky Keys-Abbreviation Expansion

•Alternative mouse/keyboard -Trackball -BigKeys -Intellikeys

•Onscreen Keyboard

•Touch Screen/Window

•Switch Control

•Voice Recognition

•Alternative Writing Software - Pix Writer -Clicker 5

LOW TECH MID TECHLOW TECH MID TECH HIGH HIGH TECHTECH

Transcription Skill

Task: Handwriting

•Pencil grips•Specialized pens/pencils•Raised lined paper•Grid paper•Slanted surfaces•Magnetic letters•Rubber stamps•Labels•Post-it-notes•Stencils to trace letters•Highlighted lines/letters•Handwriting program

•Tape recorders•Digital recorders•Dedicated word processor

•Alternative keyboard•Word processing•Word prediction software•On-screen word banks•On-screen math/computer calculators•Speech recognition software•On-screen keyboard•Touch screen monitor•Alternative methods to access keyboard

LOW TECHLOW TECH MID TECH MID TECH HIGH HIGH TECHTECH

Transcription Skill

Task: Capitalization/Punctuation

Talking word processor-Write Outloud-Draft Builder-Intellitalk

Proofreading option in word processor -Writer’s workshop-Partner editing

Remember….Remember….

Use of the TOOL is part of the IEP plan, it is NOT the goal……

Rather

The use of the tool to successfully complete the task is the goal.

IEP goals for writing skills using IEP goals for writing skills using Assistive TechnologyAssistive TechnologyMust be linked to academic goals focused

on written expression.Be task specificImplement interventions and use

sequentially, break goal down into smaller steps for use of the new technology

Make progress measurable-how will I determine if the device or strategy has been successful?

Data collection is important!! Take a look at the Wisconsin Assistive Technology Initiative website (www.wati.org)

Resources:Resources:The following slides provide screen shots of popular software and websites that are available to educators for tools to support struggling writers.

Web 2.0 Writing Resources:Web 2.0 Writing Resources:

www.myinfinitec.org http://web2specialeducation.pbworks.com/Writing-Tools http://udltechtoolkit.wikispaces.com/ http://infinitecwritingseries.wikispaces.com/Featured+Tools www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/departments/.../

WPP_how_to.pdf www.teachervision.com (graphic organizers) www.edhelper.com (graphic organizers) http://docs.google.com/View?id=dgkw4pv6_152dh939kht

(D.97 AT Specialist created this google doc to compile all resources from workshop-EXCELLENT RESOURCE!!!!)

Materials for this presentation adapted from information obtained at the Infinitec Writing Linked Series Workshops (2009-2010)