Keyboard or handwriting

Should a child with dysorthographia be allowed to write by hand, or be moved to a keyboard? The question often comes up among parents and teachers. Each option has its advantages, and the choice depends on the child, their age and their difficulties. Here are the elements needed to decide. The right choice depends on each child.

Handwriting still matters

Writing by hand remains a fundamental skill at school. The act of writing helps to memorise letters and words, and it is still widely used in class and in exams. The movement helps memory.

For young children, handwriting should therefore not be abandoned. It is one of the basic skills taught in primary school. It is an essential foundation.

The keyboard complements handwriting rather than replacing it, especially at the start of schooling. The two go hand in hand.

The advantages of the keyboard

For a child with dysorthographia, the keyboard has many advantages. It allows the use of a spell checker, makes it easy to correct mistakes, and produces a legible text. The spell checker is a real asset.

It also frees the child from the physical act of writing, which is particularly useful if they also have dysgraphia. They can concentrate on spelling and ideas. It frees the mind.

With good training, it also allows the child to write faster. Speed comes with practice. See the spell checker.

The limits of the keyboard

The keyboard requires training. Typing with two fingers is slow and tiring. It is necessary to learn to type with all fingers, without looking at the keys, to be efficient. Typing is a skill that must be learned.

Computers in class also raise practical questions: transport, battery, printing, file management. The pupil needs to be organised. Organisation is essential.

Finally, in exams, the spell checker is generally disabled. The pupil must therefore keep their spelling skills. Spelling remains important.

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At what age to switch to the keyboard

Keyboard learning can begin around Year 5 or Year 6 (CM1 or CM2), once the child has acquired the basics of handwriting. They will then be able to use a computer at secondary school. This is often the right moment.

For a child who also has significant dysgraphia, the computer may be introduced earlier, with the help of an occupational therapist. A professional can help.

The decision is taken together with the professionals who support the child. Every child is unique. See dysorthographia in Year 5 (CM1).

Learning to type

Typing is learned gradually, with regular exercises of a few minutes a day. Free software and websites offer playful methods. A few minutes a day is enough.

The goal is to type with all fingers, without looking at the keyboard. It takes several months, but the time saved afterwards is considerable. The gain is significant.

An occupational therapist can support this learning, especially if the child has motor difficulties. Support helps. See software for children with dysorthographia.

Combining the two

In practice, most pupils with dysorthographia combine the two. They write by hand for short exercises, and use the computer for longer texts. Each finds their own balance.

This choice may evolve with age and needs. In sixth form and higher education, the computer often takes a central role. The computer takes up more room as children grow older.

What matters is that the pupil can choose the tool that best allows them to show what they know. The choice should serve the pupil.

The computer in class

To use a computer in class, the adjustment must be planned in the PAP or the PPS. As part of an MDPH application, the computer may be funded as adapted teaching equipment. The adjustment must be official.

The pupil must be trained to use it before using it in class. Training is essential.

See the computer in class. Plan the procedures in advance.

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Questions that keep coming up

Should handwriting be abandoned? ?

No, it remains an important skill, especially in primary school. The keyboard complements it, particularly for longer texts. The two are complementary.

At what age to learn the keyboard ?

Often around Year 5 or Year 6 (CM1 or CM2), to be ready for secondary school. Earlier if the child also has significant dysgraphia. Not too early, not too late.