Dysorthographia exercises: where to start

Faced with the many spelling mistakes of a child with dysorthographia, parents often do not know where to begin. Everything seems to need working on: sounds, words, agreements. Trying to correct everything at once leads to discouragement. Here is a simple, step-by-step approach to start the exercises on sound foundations.

Building on the assessment

The speech and language therapy assessment is the most reliable starting point. It shows whether the difficulties mainly concern the transcription of sounds, the memory of how words are spelt, or agreements. These three areas are not worked on in the same way. The assessment indicates which one is the most fragile.

Without an assessment, there is a risk of working on secondary or overly difficult points. Without an evaluation, the process begins with a request for an assessment. The GP can prescribe this assessment. Waiting times are often long, so it is best to plan ahead. The content of this assessment is detailed on a dedicated page.

Sounds before rules

If the child still writes words that cannot be recognised, the priority is the transcription of sounds. First, they must write all the sounds they hear, in the right order. Grammar rules come later. There is no point discussing agreements if the word itself is not readable.

Work then focuses on complex sounds, syllables and confusions between similar sounds. These foundations are essential for what follows. Exercises are largely oral at first. Listening to sounds comes before writing them. A possible progression is described on the page on complex sounds.

Frequent words next

Once sounds are well transcribed, one can tackle the most frequent words, which recur in all writing. Invariable words such as « avec », « dans » or « toujours » are a good starting point. Knowing them perfectly greatly reduces the number of mistakes.

A few are learnt each week, using an active method: look, spell, hide, write. Words that are got right join a review box. Progress is quick and visible. It restores confidence in the child as well as in the parents. The invariable words have a dedicated page.

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The most useful rules

Among the grammar rules, some keep coming up: the plural of nouns, verb agreement, the homophones « a » and « à », « et » and « est ». These are the ones to work on first. They affect almost every sentence. Mastering them really changes the look of written work.

One single rule is chosen at a time, for one or two weeks, along with its tip. Once it is established, one moves on to the next. Progressing rule by rule avoids mixing everything up. The page on the plural of nouns is a good first step.

A short routine from the start

From the beginning, it is useful to set up a ten-minute daily routine at a fixed time. A short, regular routine is more effective than an occasional long session. It also preserves the relationship between parent and child. The session stays short and under control.

Start with easy activities, so that the child associates this time with success. Then gradually increase the difficulty. A little every day is better than a lot now and then. The page on the ten-minute routine offers a typical outline.

Preserving the pleasure of writing

During this work, it is essential to preserve the pleasure of writing. Opportunities to write are offered without systematic correction: a message, a story, a holiday diary. The child must feel that their ideas matter. This is what makes them want to keep writing.

Corrections focus on the points being worked on, not on everything. A fully corrected page crushes the child, whereas two targeted remarks move them forward. The child keeps their confidence. They see that they are progressing, point by point. The page on dysorthographia and shame about writing addresses this aspect.

The right people to turn to

The speech and language therapist is the reference professional for dysorthographia. Others may step in depending on needs: the occupational therapist for digital tools, the psychologist if the child lacks confidence. Exercises at home fit within this support.

The ProfessionnelsDys directory helps you find these professionals near you, by profession and by town. Waiting times can be long, so it is best to find out early. The steps that follow diagnosis are described on the after the diagnosis page.