Category Archives: Beginners
Debunking Pro-Cursive Arguments
Controversy: The dance of the pen versus digital communication is part of the Common Core rant. Substantial research supports the need to teach children handwriting. Most schools teach, have taught, or are/were supposed to teach it. There is a growing … Continue reading
Something to Look for in Cursive
No, not cursive italic! I refer to the cursive that is in danger of disuse. Recently I saw an image online of conventional cursive that was intended to demonstrate its value. A flaw came to my attention that said problem! … Continue reading
Joyful Learning
This comes from NPR today: http://www.npr.org/blogs/ed/2014/08/06/336361277/scientists-say-childs-play-helps-build-a-better-brain Apparently there will be more on the subject this week—from 8/6/2014 As stated herein before, we should leave forming letters and numerals until kids are ready. Their hands and fingers need to develop so … Continue reading
Pre-Writing Activities
Recently I observed a half hour Kindergarten handwriting class. It was exceptional! It was all about hand and finger strengthening and finger positioning as it applies to holding a writing tool. No letters. No numbers. 1) Lacing: Thread colored yarn … Continue reading
Always Something New to Learn!
I relearned something! I say relearned because several years ago Dr. Rosemary Sassoon, a renowned handwriting expert and author of numerous books on the subject, told me, “Don’t trace.” Sounded good, but how to teach children to write without a … Continue reading
Take Care with Cursive
Recently there was an excellent article in the New York Times: What’s Lost as Handwriting Fades. If you are concerned about handwriting instruction, take care with what they say about cursive. Read, listen and view everything thoughtfully, analytically. The NYT article … Continue reading
Kindergarten and Thereafter
Recently I observed a half hour Kindergarten handwriting class. It was exceptional! It was all about hand and finger strengthening and finger positioning as it applies to holding a writing tool. No letters. No numbers. Each child had a pre-writing … Continue reading
The Reason to teach handwriting.
Better, it should be the reason to teach fluent handwriting. Please see this article in the Washington Post. It’s what has always seemed logical to me, but now there is proof. As you read the article note the word, “longhand,” … Continue reading
A Child’s Writing Tool
If you want to write fluently your hand and fingers need to relax. Some have unorthodox pen holds that work, but most are inefficient and too tight to allow easy movement. I just discovered Twist ’n Write, an ergonomic, automatic … Continue reading
An Advocate for Italic
More and more Kitty Burns Florey speaks out about the value of italic. She believes it should be taught to all children in all schools. If taught well it evolves into a personal hand. Some may want to perfect its … Continue reading