Jefferson Elementary Kindergarten March 8, 2010

 Good handwriting is one of the foundation skills of language development.  Handwriting is one of the first observable measures of school success.  Handwriting mastery leads to more fluid writing with increased automaticity and speed.  In the face of new academic standards for the 21 st Century, kids must be able to communicate what they learn.

 Program developed in 1977 by an occupational therapist who was attempting to help her son with his handwriting skills  Multisensory approach to teaching letter and number formations to all students pre-k through cursive

 Letters are taught in a sequence that makes sense developmentally: in groups of similar formation.  Uses all the senses to teach directionality, vocabulary and imitation, positioning, and sequencing skills

1. Imitation: The teacher demonstrates the letter formation. The child imitates the teachers. 2. Copying: Children are asked to copy a model of a practice word by looking at the word. 3. Independent Writing: Children are asked to write a word without demonstration and without a model. They have to write from memory.

 Developmentally, capitals are easier so they are taught first  Ensures correct formation and orientation while eliminating reversals

 HWT begins with a no pencil, no paper approach  Kinders will be demonstrating one of the first strategies to you  Can you do it?

 Most students were still in the developing stage of capital letter formation  Most students have met the standard for capital letter formation

Bergen, R. (2008). Teaching writing in kindergarten. Broadway, NY: Scholastic, Inc. Calkins, L.M. (1989). The Arts of teaching writing. Portsmouth, NH: Heinemann Educational Books, Inc. Edge, N. (2007, August 10). Guidelines for teaching handwriting in kindergarten: thoughts on what works best. Retrieved Oct 30, 2009, from Graham, S. (2008). Research-based best practices for teaching writing: a discussion with Steve Graham on how to effectively teach writing. The Writing Teacher, 10(1), Retrieved Oct 30, 2009, from Leuenberger, C.J. (2003). The New kindergarten: teaching reading, writing, and more. Broadway, NY: Scholastic, Inc. Olsen, J.Z., Knapton, E.F. (2008). Handwriting Without Tears. Best Reading and Language Instruction Books. Cabin John, MD.