handwriting a writer’s tool chapter 13. handwriting handwriting is the formation of alphabetic...

HANDWRITINGA Writer’s Tool

Chapter 13

Handwriting

Handwriting is the formation of alphabetic symbols on paper

Instruction emphasizes legibility Instruction emphasizes fluency Handwriting should be kept in

perspective

Handwriting Forms

Traditional Manuscript / printing (Figure 13-6 – p. 448)

Advantages Young children lack eye-hand coordination

necessary for cursive Similar to type style in primary-level reading

books Disadvantages

Reversal of b / d Students must learn two totally kinds of

handwriting within several years

Handwriting Forms

Cursive / connected (Figure 13-6 – p. 449) Advantages

Continuous movement Children view as grown-up handwriting

Children’s awareness and interest in imitating are indicators of readiness for cursive

Handwriting Forms D’Nealian (Figure 13-7 – p. 450)

Innovation manuscript Uses same basic forms children need for

cursive Designed to increase legibility and fluency Ease of transition from manuscript to

cursive Research has not documented it is better

that traditional

Children’s Handwriting Development

Handwriting in kindergarten Interest in writing is stimulated Develop ability to hold writing

instruments Print letters of the alphabet Experiment with writing using paper,

pencils, pens, crayons, paintbrushes Instruction in holding pencil and forming

letters correctly is necessary


Formal handwriting instruction begins in first grade

Children learn to form manuscript letters, to space, and elements of legibility

Place what is to be copied close to child


Children should create own writing or possibly copy interactive writing compositions or Language Experience stories

Wide-lined paper with dotted midline is typically used


Graham (1992) reported that beginner (fat) pencils are not better than regular size pencils for young children

Regular size pencils have erasers and children prefer to use regular pencils

No evidence to support that specially shaped pencils and small writing aids that slip onto pencils improve grips


Instruction in cursive typically occurs in the first semester of third grade

Lowercase letters are taught first, then connecting strokes

Time of transition is usually dictated by tradition – not sound educational theory

All students in a school or district are introduced to cursive at the same time

Cursive does not replace manuscript


Better to introduce cursive in first or second grades if students show early interest and are developmentally ready

Debate of when to introduce cursive continues


Sequence of Handwriting Development – p. 453

Best taught in minilessons Observing the teacher model is

better than copying models that have already been written

Teaching Handwriting:Elements of Legibility

Letter formation Size and proportion Spacing Slant Alignment Line quality

The Left-Handed Writer

Handedness is typically developed by age 5

Teachers, with help from parents, must help children who haven’t develop handedness to consistently use one hand for handwriting and other fine motor activities

If not, neither hand will develop fine-motor control required for handwriting


Difference in right- and left-handed writing is physical orientation

Avoid allowing left-handed children to adopt the “hook” position


Hold pencils at least 1.5 inches from the tip

Do not “hook” the hand—practice on a vertical surface (place handwriting paper or classroom dry-erase board)


Tilt paper slightly to the right (right-handed tilt paper to left);

using masking tape on desk to indicate proper amount of tilt is helpful

Avoid more than a 45 degree angle for slant of letters

Correcting Problems

Have students use the six elements of legibility to diagnose problems

Checklist for Assessing Manuscript Handwriting – p. 458

Involve students in developing checklists

Handwriting influences teacher evaluation and grading (Graham, 1992)

handwriting a writer’s tool chapter 13. handwriting handwriting is the formation of alphabetic...

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