Handwriting Without Tears A program overview

What makes Handwriting Without Tears Unique? Developmentally based Inclusive: works for children of all abilities Multi-sensory teaching aids and methods Easy to teach and fun to learn Excellent for both classroom and individual instruction

Teaching the Handwriting Without Tears Method Unique and compelling teaching strategies Ideal for both new and experienced instructors Clear and easy-to-follow lessons plan Brief and effective practice sessions Comprehensive tools for assessment Little time is needed for class preparation Switching to Handwriting Without Tears is easy

Program Organization and Features Developmentally-based learning sequence Learning skills put into meaningful and immediate use Built-in review of learned skills to promote mastery and fluency Clear and consistent page and lesson formats Comfortable transition between readiness, printing and cursive Valuable support to other language art skills

Readiness Program The Handwriting Without Tears Readiness Program inspires active learning and teaching. It ensures the development of correct and comfortable habits and provides the foundation skills necessary to get children "ready" to write well.

Printing Program With the Handwriting Without Tears Printing Program, children learn to print neatly and comfortably with confidence and pride. The sequence of instruction is sensible and developmentally-based. While children enjoy mastering their fluency in printing, they are building the skills that will make the transition to cursive easy.

Printing Program Features:  Clean, vertical, continuous stroke print style  Letters taught in sensible groupings  Continuous and meaningful review of learned skills  Slate method for teaching numbers prevents reversals Highlights:  Double lines promote neatness and correct letter placement  Large step-by-step instructions with memorable illustrations  Child-friendly language for directions  Lefty friendly

Cursive Program The simple vertical style and emphasis on connections make cursive easy for all children. Special "Review and Mastery" pages promote speed and fluency. With this program, cursive becomes an automatic skill

Cursive Program Features:  Clean, vertical style without extravagant loops or tails  Simple and effective techniques for connecting letters  Easy transition from printing to cursive Highlights:  Review and Mastery" activities to develop fluency  Large step-by-step instructions with fun illustrations  Valuable support for other language arts activities  Double lines for correct letter placement and an easy transition to notebook paper

Why does HWT's paper look different? Handwriting Without Tears double line paper eliminates the problem of line confusion. By using two lines and the simple phrase "bump the lines", directions are simple and clear. The bottom line keeps the writing straight and the top line controls the size of the letters. Many letters fit exactly between the double lines and most letters (19 out of 26!) begin on the top line. Children find it easy to place the letters that go above the lines and the letters that go below. They have more control, confidence, and size consistency using HWT double lines.