What approach best promotes handwriting development for a student with dysgraphia?

Providing explicit instruction in letter formation with guided practice is the approach that best promotes handwriting development for a student with dysgraphia. This strategy addresses the specific challenges faced by individuals with this condition, which often include difficulty with fine motor skills and the physical act of writing. By focusing on explicit instruction, educators can break down the process of letter formation into manageable steps and provide the necessary guidance and support. Through targeted practice, students can gradually improve their handwriting skills and gain confidence in their ability to write.

In contrast, using graph paper or focusing on typing skills may offer some organizational benefits or alternatives to writing but do not directly address the core issues associated with dysgraphia, such as the need for specific motor skill development. Similarly, while spelling machines might assist in word formation, they do not help students develop handwriting skills and can create a dependency on technology without fostering the necessary physical skills for writing. Thus, explicit instruction combined with practice is essential for helping students with dysgraphia overcome their writing difficulties and develop their handwriting abilities.