Dysorthographia exercise: writing the syllables

Writing a long word in one go is difficult for a child with dysorthographia, who forgets letters or whole chunks. Breaking the word into syllables and writing them one by one is a simple and effective strategy. Here are exercises to learn to write syllable by syllable, from speaking to independent writing.

The syllable, a help for writing

When a child writes a long word, they have to hold all its sounds in the right order. If their working memory is fragile, they lose some along the way. By breaking the word into syllables, they only have to hold one small piece at a time.

This strategy is especially useful for words of three syllables or more. It noticeably reduces omissions of letters and syllables. It is learnt gradually, starting with speech. Children who adopt it often write more complete words within a few weeks. The page my child writes as they speak explains the origin of these errors.

Breaking the word down orally

Before writing, the child says the word out loud, clapping their hands for each syllable. “Ca-ra-mel” gives three claps. They thus know how many pieces they will need to write.

Beforehand, you can draw as many lines as there are syllables, on which the child will write each piece. These lines help them not to forget anything. They are removed once they no longer need them. This oral breakdown quickly becomes a habit. The child eventually counts the syllables in their head, without clapping their hands.

Writing syllable by syllable

The child writes the first syllable while saying it, then the second, and so on. They repeat each syllable as they write it, so that the hand follows the voice. They then reread the whole word to check.

At first, the adult can repeat each syllable as they go. Gradually, the child does it alone, in a whisper and then in their head. This method slows down writing at the start, but greatly reduces errors. It then becomes faster with practice. After a few weeks, the child no longer needs to say each syllable out loud.

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Complex syllables

Some syllables contain two consonants that follow each other, such as “tra”, “pli” or “cro”. They are often written incorrectly, with a consonant forgotten or misplaced. They can be worked on separately, by comparing them with simple syllables: “ta” and “tra”.

The child listens to the difference, then writes both syllables. They become aware of the extra consonant. Words containing these syllables are then practised, such as “train” or “plume”. A few minutes a day on these syllables is enough to reduce errors. See also the page on forgotten letters.

Building words with cards

Cards bearing syllables make it possible to build words without writing. The adult says a word, the child chooses the cards and places them in order. They check by reading the built word.

The child can then be asked to copy the word they have built, which strengthens memorisation. This hands-on game is particularly useful for children who have writing difficulties. It separates thinking about sounds from the graphic movement. It can be offered at a table as well as on the floor, on a large mat. The spelling games offer other hands-on activities.

Checking your word

After writing a word, the child rereads it syllable by syllable, pointing to each one with their finger. They check that each piece matches what they hear. If a syllable is missing, they notice it immediately.

This check can be done out loud at first, then in a whisper. It becomes a useful habit for all their written work. The child gains independence. They no longer wait for the adult to point out their mistakes; they look for them themselves. The page on proofreading gives other strategies.

When writing remains very difficult

If the child continues to forget many syllables despite practice, a speech and language therapist assessment will help clarify their difficulties. It may involve a phonological dysorthographia, which affects the transcription of sounds. These exercises help in daily life, but do not replace this assessment.

The directory ProfessionnelsDys lets you find a speech and language therapist by town, specifying your child’s age. Bring examples of misspelt words to the appointment. The page who to consult for dysorthographia helps you find your way.