How to Make Writing Fun: 5 Writing Strategies for Special Education Students That Really Work

Worried your child won’t be able to focus during an online lesson?

Think again - these strategies are game changers.

Keeping neurodiverse students engaged in online writing sessions might seem like a challenge. But with the right tools and techniques, it’s not only possible—it’s fun! Let me share five proven writing strategies for special education students that have worked wonders in keeping my students focused and excited about writing, even in a virtual classroom.

From interactive tools like KoalaGO to brain breaks with virtual games, I’ve found creative ways to turn writing into an exciting adventure.

1. Using Interactive Tools like KoalaGO and Games

One of the tools I rely on is KoalaGO, which functions like Zoom but offers more interactivity. It allows me and my students to work on the same document simultaneously with a co-browser, and I can annotate or place post-it word banks directly on the screen.

We also share Google Docs, and KoalaGO’s whiteboard allows us both to use tools together—even if your child is using an iPad or Chromebook.

I also integrate games from Wordwall.net to make writing more fun. I create quizzes and games like "spin the wheel" to help students strengthen their skills. We play games focused on combining subjects and predicates, replacing overused words (like "a lot"), and even checking if sentences are punctuated correctly.

This helps keep them engaged while building key writing skills.

2. Breaking Up Tasks and Using Brain Breaks

I always pace lessons to fit each student's ability to focus. Writing tasks are broken down into smaller steps, especially in areas where the student needs the most support. I analyze their writing samples to identify where to begin, and we build up their skills bit by bit.

When a student needs a mental break, we do quick brain breaks like Mad Libs for fun story creation, or they take a two-minute break in KoalaGO’s virtual playground, which is similar to Minecraft.

For younger students or those who need help staying on task, I use rewards like earning KoalaGO gems, which can be spent in the playground.

3. Personalizing Writing Prompts Based on Student Interests

To keep writing meaningful, I do interest surveys with my students to learn what they’re passionate about. I also allow them to pick their own topics when appropriate. Incorporating their hobbies into writing assignments keeps them engaged, and we often write about things we’ve read together.

If they need help getting started, I guide them in outlining what we’ve read or discussed, and then help them write about the topic in their own words. This process helps them organize their thoughts and form ideas more easily, especially when they struggle with brainstorming or structure.

4. Positive Reinforcement and Feedback Strategies

Motivation and confidence are key, so I use verbal praise for all my students, along with different reward systems depending on their needs. For my most distractible students, I use a virtual sticker chart, where they earn stars for focus and effort. I also encourage them to take ownership of how well they’re doing.

For most younger students, I reward them with KoalaGO gems, which they can spend on items in the playground when they earn a two-minute brain break or as a reward for a lesson well done.

In Google Docs, I leave comments with guiding questions to help students through the revision and editing process. I model tasks, we work through them together, and then I encourage independent work to build their confidence.

I also use a rubric, and I ask students where they want their paper to be. From there, we work together to revise their writing based on the points they want to improve, using guiding questions to help them through each step of the editing process.

5. Incorporating Multisensory Learning Methods

I use a variety of multisensory methods to help students better understand and express their ideas. We often use graphic organizers and virtual post-its, which students can move around on the screen. Sometimes, students draw pictures to help visualize what they want to write about.

For those who need the feel of holding a pencil or struggle with typing, I use document cameras so they can handwrite.

Reading their papers aloud is another key strategy; hearing their writing helps students identify areas that need improvement. Color coding parts of speech, using movement breaks for restless moments, and even moving letter tiles around for spelling practice are just a few ways I make lessons interactive.

Final Thoughts

Developing writing strategies for special education students in online writing sessions is absolutely achievable with the right approach. By using interactive tools, personalized prompts, positive reinforcement, and multisensory methods, I help students stay focused, build their writing skills, and enjoy the learning process. Lastly, remember that when students can talk about a topic, it often helps unlock the key to writing about it!