Handwriting Practice Books 1-5 OR Handwriting Skills Simplified Books A-F

Essential Learning Products

ELP sells two different handwriting series: one that uses traditional Zaner-Bloser method and the other using Zaner-Bloser’s simplified letter forms. The traditional method is considered more graceful with its additional loops and curves. The simplified forms are printed with continuous strokes most of the time in contrast to ball-and-stick printing and cursive capitals requiring three separate strokes. Many teachers consider it easier for children to make the transition from manuscript to cursive with simplified forms. (Note that simplified forms are not the same as slant print style although there are similarities in approach.) Either series will provide all you need to teach your child both manuscript and cursive handwriting.

Handwriting Practice Books

Using traditional ball-and-stick, the first two books teach manuscript. The third book teaches cursive, which is then practiced in the next two books. Every book covers both upper and lower case letters, beginning with single letters and continuing up through words and sentences. Numbers are also taught in each book.

Students copy models for almost every exercise, with just a few exercises such as “write your name and address.” Line spacing begins very large and decreases with each book. The books are half-size like other ELP books, which makes them less intimidating for those who have difficulty with paper and pencil tasks. You might start with the first book in kindergarten or first grade, then use the book sequentially up through about fourth or fifth grade. Books are 96 to 128 pages in length.

Handwriting Skills Simplified

There are six books in this series. They, too, might be used beginning at either kindergarten or first grade level, continuing up through upper elementary grades. The first two books teach manuscript and the last four cursive. Emphasis in the last book is on legibility. Each book is 64 pages in length.