Handwriting Fundamentals

Learning proper handwriting form is best learned in the early elementary school years.  In this 6-week class, we will start with expectations for the course as well as the structure.  Students will understand what we will be learning over the course as well as what they will be expected to do while learning handwriting fundamentals.  After each class, students will be able to properly write the letter that was focused on during instructional time.  The class focuses on one letter each class so we can master that letter before we move on.

I teach the order of the letters according to proper teaching of handwriting so that learners are doing natural movement progressions instead of just learning letters in alphabetical order A to Z.  I have found that teaching handwriting in this order allows kids to see the progression of each letter and it truly makes sense when taught in this order.  The course will extensively cover proper pencil grip using a pencil with a good eraser as well as a skinny dry erase marker to practice together as a class.  Each lesson will start with guided practice before transition into independent practice.

Class will be 25 minutes two times per week.  We will start each class by learning a new letter, practicing the letter together and then independent practice.  My teaching style is firm but loving and I like to be silly with the kids while learning!  We will interact with each other frequently with discussion.  Students will be encouraged to ask questions.  We will also learn how to take hand breaks when our hands get tired from writing.  I will go into a bit of detail on fine motor versus gross motor skills and how that applies to our proper pencil grip and the importance of learning that now instead of when bad habits develop as they get older.  There is no experience or prior knowledge needed. Students can expect to finish the course independently with some parent help when independent practice is not completed within our class time.  

Weekly breakdown of class:
Week 1: Proper pencil grip, order of the letters, letter A, B, C, D
Week 2: Letters E, F, G, H
Week 3: Letters I, J, K, L
Week 4: Letters M, N, O, P
Week 5: Letters Q, R, S, T
Week 6: Letters U, V, W, X, Y, Z  Review of letters and conclusion to course