This year we will be using a readiness program called Handwriting Without Tears.  This program develops coloring, drawing, counting, and handwriting readiness by using music, multi-sensory activities and the get Ready For School workbook.  Some of the readiness activities include learning to draw people after building mat man on the floor with wood pieces and making letters and numbers with wood pieces and with play dough.  We will sing songs that go along with the activities and learn finger-plays that support letter formation.

 

You will notice that when we begin to teach your child to write his/her name, we will be using all capital letters.  We do this because:

• Capitals are the easiest letters to write, developmentally.
• Capitals are easy to recognize and familiar.
• Capitals are the same height.
• Capitals start at the same place, the top.

 

We will help your child learn to hold a writing tool correctly.  To help your child develop a proper grip, the program recommends using crayons more often than markers because they offer resistance on the paper.  Also, the crayons are to be only 1 to 1 ½ inches in length.  This encourages the correct grip.

 

Look at their website, www.hwtears.com for more information about the Handwriting Without Tears programs.