Kids with sensory processing issues often have difficulty with organization, whether it is organizing their thoughts, time, possessions, or movements. There are many simple tricks for helping the child with sensory issues to be more organized with her thoughts and writing when working on tests or homework.
First, of course, eliminate any unnecessary sensory distractions when the child is working. Children with SPD often need to take tests in a quiet room with fewer children in order to stay focused on the task at hand. Homework should be done in an area without background noise and distractions such as smells wafting in from the kitchen, if possible. If the child is working on math, have him use highlighter markers to mark plus signs and minus signs different colors to keep him from accidentally overlooking this important detail in the problem. He should also highlight or circle important words within the questions, such as the word "not" in "Which of these statements is not true?"
Teach him to double check his answers before handing in his paper and to make a check mark next to each question in a multiple step question after answering it. For instance, if the question is, "What was the Declaration of Independence and what rights did it guarantee", he should make a check mark over each part of the question after he has made sure he's answered it. This can help prevent him from accidentally skipping a question or problem.
Often, in an effort to save paper, worksheets or workbook pages crowd problems and questions together, leaving little space for writing answers. Offer the child scrap paper and extra writing paper so that he doesn't feel cramped by the small writing space.
All kids, but particularly children with handwriting and visual processing issues that are so commonly associated with sensory processing disorder, can benefit from learning to use a keyboard and word processing program to compose essays. Break down the task of writing into its separate components: composing, handwriting or keyboarding, and editing. This will help him focus on mastering each important task without becoming overwhelmed by wrestling with all of them at the same time. Many kids need to work on handwriting separately from composing in order to keep their focus on what they want to write rather than the process of forming the letters with a pencil.
Have the child use a plain piece of lightweight cardboard placed on part of the page if she finds it distracting to look at all the problems or questions at once. Similarly, let her use a piece of paper or her finger to follow the lines of text as she is reading. Children with visual processing issues may need these guides to keep their place while reading, and often benefit from larger typefaces as well. Graph paper can help a child work math problems in straight columns, reducing errors.
These simple adjustments and accommodations can make a huge difference! Come and visit http://www.arthouse-kuklite.com