Research has shown that the cursive handwriting style has proven to be very effective with students as they begin to learn handwriting. D’Nealian Handwriting Style develops the rhythm necessary for the flow of cursive writing.
Over 85% of D’Nealian lower case letters are the same as their cursive version. It utilizes the whole-brain approach to learning by giving children word associations in drill and practice work with simple chants for each letter. Children easily move into cursive writing when ready and have had great success with this component of our curriculum.
Block printing is the most common style of handwriting and what we see most often in print, which is why we teach this style of handwriting to our children.
The three primary components to handwriting are:
- Correct letter formation
- Uniform letter size
- Uniform letter slant
Our teachers focus on these individual components, one at a time, as the children build their handwriting confidence.
All handwriting begins with fine motor skills development. Our teachers provide many opportunities for the children to master these skills with various activities including: controlled cutting with scissors, play dough formations, tracing with their index finger, etc.
As children are introduced to handwriting, they use a thick pencil for better control, proper grip and writing position. They begin with practicing lines, curves and shapes, as they master control of the pencil. Teachers show the children how to draw lines from left to right, top to bottom, followed by curves; this method of teaching flows into natural letter formation.
The next step is teaching children how to trace letters, beginning with lowercase letters. When the children have succeeded in recognizing, sounding out and tracing all the letters of the alphabet, they will begin to practice writing letters independently, copying the letters, followed by printing short words on manuscript paper.
Children develop handwriting abilities at different paces; sensitivity and patience are shown to the children as they continue to work on their handwriting skills. Consistent praise and assistance are provided to help children during this process of learning how to print. There is nothing more rewarding than seeing the smile of accomplishment and pride when the children master writing their own name!
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