Good handwriting and the ability to write strong compositions go hand in hand. The mental processes involved in handwriting are connected to other important learning functions, such as storing information in memory, retrieving information, manipulating letters, and linking them to sound when spelling.

Handwriting Guidelines

Instructional Expectations Goals Best Practices Lesson Components Materials Resources

Goal Our goal in handwriting instruction is to develop automaticity, self-monitoring and legibility.

Automaticity When the formation of letters becomes automatic, the child has more mental resources available to think about what to say and how to say it during composing. Fluency increases as automaticity increases.

Self-Monitoring When students show awareness of the quality of their handwriting and have awareness of strategies for correcting errors.

Legibility When students develop the visual-motor coordination and desire to produce handwritten work with appropriate size, shape, spacing and slant.

Best Practice in Handwriting Instruction Demonstration along with verbal instruction Script models and letter formation guidelines should be consistent within a school. Script models are readily accessible at student eye-level and on desk or table tops. Acquaint students with the terminology and components of handwriting: shape, size, slant, and spacing. Emphasis on difficult to form letters Letters that share common strokes are grouped together Introduction of easily confused letters is staggered. Communicate the importance of handwriting.

Best Practice in Handwriting Instruction Visual clues are used to guide letter formation. Similarities and differences between letters are highlighted. Students are given opportunities to trace, copy, and write from memory, target letters. Handwriting is monitored and immediately reinforced for correct letter formation, spacing, etc. Students self-evaluate and set goals Handwriting instruction is adjacent to other language arts lessons so skills can be applied. Make accommodations as necessary. Materials support students

Lesson Components Warm up –Verbal review and recognition of letters and words (as needed). Instruction and Practice –Demonstration –Verbalization –Similarities and differences –Ensure proper grip and position of paper –accommodations Feedback and Self-Monitoring –Monitor and reinforce correctness –Teach students to self-evaluate –Encourage efforts Speed –Practice fluency and automaticity –Provide plenty of opportunities to write

Materials Alphabet linking chart (K-2) Jumbo alphabet carts with verbal path #2 pencils Handwriting instruction paper Rocket charts (performance tracking) Stopwatch Highlighters

Resources Paper –ZB online –Creating your own practice sheets ZB Handwriting Manual Guidelines booklet –Handwriting Instruction Topics –Sample handwriting lesson format –Trouble shooting guide –Verbal pathway –Rubric –Measuring tool

Fun Facts - A typical pencil can draw a line 35 miles long or write about 45,000 words. -An unpainted pencil inserted into the soil of a potted plant can eliminate mealy bugs on plants. -Seeing a pencil in your dream indicates that you are making a temporary impact in a situation. It may also suggest that a relationship may not last long. -Dreaming that you are sharpening a pencil, suggests that you need to be more flexible in your way of thinking. -In the United States, National Handwriting Day is celebrated every year on January 23—the birthday of John Hancock, who may have the most distinctive—or at least recognizable—signature on the Declaration of Independence.