Dysorthographia and the leisure centre

The leisure centre, the periscolaire (after-school) care or holiday camps are places of relaxation and play. For a child with dysorthographia, they can be a real breather away from school difficulties. Should you tell the leaders? How can you make sure things go well? Here are a few pointers. This leisure time matters just as much as schoolwork for their fulfilment.

A space away from school

The leisure centre is often a place where a child with dysorthographia can take a breather. The activities are mainly playful, sporty and artistic, and writing takes up very little room. After a busy week, this change of setting lets them recharge their batteries.

It is an opportunity for them to experience success, make friends and discover new activities, without the pressure of spelling. These positive experiences help them see themselves differently from simply a pupil who struggles.

These moments are precious for their balance and their confidence. They remind them that they have many skills beyond writing. See extracurricular activities.

When writing comes into play

Some activities may involve writing: treasure hunts with clues to read, large-scale games with written instructions, writing workshops, correspondence at camp. Registration forms, game rules or activity signs may also require reading and writing.

In these situations, a child with dysorthographia may feel out of their depth in front of others, especially if their writing is judged or read aloud. This fear of other people’s gaze is often more burdensome than the difficulty itself.

A leader who has been informed can easily make adjustments, for example by reading out the instructions or by forming teams. These small adaptations require almost no effort from the team.

Should you tell the leaders?

Telling the leaders is not compulsory, but it can be helpful, especially for longer stays or if the child is anxious about writing. Leaders are often young and have little training in dys disorders, so a simple explanation helps them a great deal.

A brief note is enough: explain that your child has difficulties with writing and that it is best to avoid putting them on the spot in front of others. There is no need to go into the details of the diagnosis: the essentials fit into a few sentences.

Talk about it with your child beforehand: they may have their own views on what they would like to share. Some children prefer to remain discreet, and this wish deserves to be respected. See explaining dysorthographia to your child.

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The periscolaire and homework support

In some periscolaire services, a homework support session is offered. For a child with dysorthographia, this time can be difficult if it is not adapted. Leaders do not always know which adjustments are useful, such as not demanding a perfect copy.

Inform the team of their difficulties and their arrangements, so that they can support them appropriately. You may give them a short note with the main arrangements.

If this time is too stressful, you may prefer that they do their homework at home. The main thing is that this time stays calm and does not become a source of tension. See dysorthographia and homework.

Holiday camps

Holiday camps are often a fine experience of independence. For a child with dysorthographia, the only difficulty may be writing letters or postcards to the family. A few words or a drawing are more than enough to send news.

Reassure them: the important thing is to send news, not to write without mistakes. You can also arrange phone calls. Families appreciate the content far more than the form.

You might slip them a few pre-addressed envelopes to make the task easier. You can also prepare a small letter template with useful phrases.

Celebrating their successes

On their return, take an interest in what they experienced, the activities where they succeeded, and the friends they made. These experiences nourish their confidence. Photos and souvenirs brought back are a lovely opportunity to talk about it as a family.

If an activity particularly appealed to them, it could become a regular activity. Such activities are often valuable avenues for developing their talents.

See dysorthographia and self-esteem. Successes experienced outside school often carry over into their confidence in class.

If things go wrong

If your child comes home upset or says they have been teased, take the time to talk with them, then with the activity team. Your child must know that they can always talk to you about what they are going through, without fear.

Teasing related to school difficulties must not be tolerated, at school or anywhere else. Activity teams also have a responsibility to protect children.

See dysorthographia and bullying at school. A quick word with the centre’s director is often enough to resolve the situation.

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Questions that keep coming up

Should you tell the leaders at the leisure centre? ?

It is not compulsory, but a simple piece of information can prevent your child from being put on the spot during activities involving writing. Discuss it with your child before speaking to the leaders.

Is the leisure centre beneficial for a dys child? ?

Yes, it is often a space for relaxation and success, far from school difficulties. These successes nourish their confidence in a lasting way.

How to help them write at camp ?

Reassure them about mistakes, prepare pre-addressed envelopes, or arrange phone calls. The important thing is to send news, not to write without mistakes.