*This is not a paid review, I’m just a satisfied mom sharing I product I love!*
One of the reasons I decided to start homeschooling is because my four-year old son is advanced in some areas and I was worried he would be bored when he started school. He was ready for a challenge so after weeks of thinking, talking, researching, and praying about it, we decided to commit. At least for now. We’ll evaluate as time goes on.
I started him in kindergarten math and first grade reading, but I’ve had to adapt our schoolwork a bit because his fine motor skills needed some developing and writing/drawing/coloring has been a bit of a struggle for him.
I haven’t pushed writing since he’s only four and technically wouldn’t start kindergarten for another year and a half. Instead I have just encouraged fun activities for my kids to help develop their fine motor skills (puzzles, coloring, glueing, cutting, sorting, stringing beads, etc.). I’ve adapted schoolwork by letting Ryan dictate to me, or type words on the computer.
But I’ve recently discovered and LOVE Handwriting Without Tears. It’s a manipulative-based program that is so fun my kids ask to play even when we’re done with school. In just a couple of weeks I’ve noticed a difference in Ryan’s coloring/drawing and he is writing several of the letters on his own now.
Emery (two years) likes to jump in on many of the lessons and activities and while she definitely isn’t writing, she’s getting a great concepts-of-print foundation and has lots of fun. She identifies numbers, capital letters (and knows the sounds too), and basic shapes.
I’m a firm believer that kids need a strong foundation in literacy because it affects all other subjects. Here’s what Handwriting Without Tears says on this subject:
“Handwriting fluency is fundamental to learning because children think and write at the same time. When we teach children to write, we also teach them how to express themselves. If they struggle to form their letters, their ability to express themselves will suffer. Children who don’t master handwriting may be slow, sloppy, or illegible writers. Spelling and math are also affected.”
Even if you don’t homeschool, I’d recommend this program as an at-home supplement.
I’m an occupational therapist that works with kids, I never thought I’d read about Handwriting Without Tears outside of work! (I subscribed to your blog mostly for the scrapping stuff.) I use the program all the time, I’m glad more people are finding out about it.
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This “handwriting without tears” looks like a great thing. Can’t wait to see it in action–hee, hee, hee. See you soon.
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I used this program when I taught preschool. Great program. A favorite…I think he was called Map Man.
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I will be using HWT for my son for 1st grade. We are finishing up Kindergarten and he also had a hard time with coloring/writing mainly because I don’t think his wrists/hands were developed enough. He is doing much better now but we need to start “correct” handwriting procedures. I have heard nothing but great things about this program, can’t wait to utilize it!
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i was also home schooled when i was younger and it is also a great weay to get your education.~’”
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i was home schooled too but i would still prefer regular schools..:`
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i was home schooled and it is quite satisfactory when providing basic education~.:
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I prefer to use http://www.fonts4teachers.com My school uses all the time and we can see great improvement on children’s handwriting!
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i was home schooled when i was still very young and i have to stay that it is also a great way to educate your kids ;’”
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