Tuesday, June 14, 2005
Handwriting Without Tears
We just received our HWT package, and Thomas was quite excited to get started. We ordered the Kindergarten level teacher's guide and student workbook (called Letters and Numbers For Me)--not any of the manipulatives. I reasoned that since Thomas already knows the letters of the alphabet they wouldn't be needed.
Thomas has been writing his name for at least two years now, but he had gotten into some bad habits as far as the formation of the letters go. So, we are starting at the beginning. I think it will go quickly, but I want to instill the right habits.
In addition, I had never been able to get Thomas to understand how to hold a pencil (crayon, pen, etc.), so in preparation for getting the HWT curriculum, we visited a teacher's store and bought some pencil grips. The one Thomas liked best is huge--it looks very much like the pommel of a sword. It prevents you from holding the pencil in any way but the correct way.
I ordered the HWT books from The Book Peddler, as the HWT website does not take Discover--and that is all I ever use. The Book Peddler did and their service has ensured I will continue to use them. I couldn't find the exact thing I was looking for and called the easy to find 1-800 number (1-800-928-1760). The gentleman helped me quickly and graciously. I finished ordering over the internet--it was quick and easy--and the package arrived via Priority Mail in a matter of three days, I believe. Very fast!
If you are interested in the HWT, click the headline above to go to The Book Peddler's page for all of the HWT items.
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We love HWT. I'll have to check those grips - it's a good idea. Neither one of my girls holds the pencil correctly...it makes me crazy! So crazy in fact that I just had to drop the issue.
Pencil grips. Thanks.
My soon to be 4th grader has just completed the 1st year of cursive. I love HWT cursive, too. It's very simple and her writing is very legible. The Kindergartner can hardly wait to start. It's fun with the little slate and chalk.
Have fun with it!!
Pencil grips! 35 cents for the small ones, about a dollar and a quarter for the big sword-like one.
Thanks for stopping by!