Peterson Directed Handwriting

Peterson Directed Handwriting should be very appealing to home educators for two reasons: it is inexpensive and it is thorough. You can purchase a student book and teacher handbook for a level for about $10. Homeschool handwriting kits include the teacher and pupil books plus a self-adhesive Position Guide, and pencils or pen (depending upon the level).

The teacher’s handbooks offer step-by-step teaching instruction as well as extra strategy helps and explanations about some of the research and theories behind the methodology. It covers types of pencils, how to hold them, desks and sitting positions, tips for teaching left-handed students, and more. This is one of the few handwriting programs where the teacher’s manual is a necessity because it contains so much useful information.

The methodology is standard ball-and-stick, based on learning basic movement patterns to reinforce left-to-right tracking. “Printwriting” begins with the traditional one-stroke-at-a-time process. In second grade, slant print is introduced using a “no-lift” rhythm called “threading” in the jargon of motor control specialists. Transition to a traditional cursive takes place in third grade. Form, slant, size, spacing, smoothness, and control are continually emphasized. Songs and rhythms that assist in teaching handwriting skills are available on an optional audiocassette ($5.95). I’ve reviewed materials for kindergarten through eighth grade, although Peterson’s also sells an extensive program for preschool level.

A special teacher booklet, The Left-Handed Writer, is also available ($2.50). In addition, Peterson lists in their catalog many other supplemental items such as reproducible lesson-sheets, wall alphabets, pencil grips, as well as special education materials. Of particular interest might be Shirley’s Books ($8.25 each), a four-book series of vertical manuscript, slant print, and cursive reproducible practice books.

Peterson’s website also has an extensive resource library with research information, practical ideas for teaching handwriting.