Getty Dubay

Getty-Dubay Italic Handwriting began in 1979, crafted by Inga Dubay and Barbara Getty, both calligraphers and educators who saw a need for an alternative to the traditional looped cursive and print writing styles taught in schools. Their vision was to create a more natural and fluid writing method that could be easily learned by children and adults alike. Both Dubay and Getty have extensive backgrounds in teaching and calligraphy, with Getty having taught at Portland Community College and Dubay at the Oregon College of Art and Craft. Their method has gained significant adoption in schools and among homeschooling families, reflecting its effectiveness and the high regard in which it is held​ (Handwriting Success)​.

Differentiation: What Makes It Special The Getty-Dubay program stands out for its unique approach to handwriting, emphasizing the Italic style which is easier and faster than traditional cursive and more elegant than standard print. This method promotes better legibility and speed and is built on the natural shapes and strokes that people are inclined to use in everyday writing. It provides a practical, effective curriculum suited for various age groups, from young children to adults, facilitating a seamless transition from print to cursive​ (Handwriting Success)​.

How to Get Started To begin using the Getty-Dubay Italic Handwriting Series, one should choose the correct level from their series of seven books, each tailored to different grade levels from kindergarten through sixth grade. The books progressively introduce and build on Italic handwriting skills, making it easy for a beginner to start at any point​ (Homeschooling 4 Him)​.

How It Works This curriculum is designed to be straightforward and user-friendly, requiring minimal preparation from parents. Each book includes directions and examples, enabling children to work independently. Daily practice is encouraged, as regular repetition is key to mastering the skill. The books include engaging content and illustrations to keep the learning process interesting for students​ (Homeschooling 4 Him)​.

What Educational Content It Includes

• Introduction to Italic handwriting from basic to advanced levels

• Transition from print to cursive Italic handwriting

• Practice with letter pairs, words, sentences, and paragraphs

• Historical insights into letter forms and the development of the alphabet

• Exercises that incorporate educational content like science and history​ (Homeschooling 4 Him)​.

What’s Good About It Users appreciate the Getty-Dubay program for its simplicity, effectiveness, and the aesthetic appeal of the Italic handwriting style. Many find the method leads to quicker learning and more beautiful handwriting. It’s particularly noted for its structured yet flexible approach that accommodates personal styles within the Italic framework​ (Handwriting Success)​.

What Could Be Improved While the program is highly regarded, some users suggest that additional resources or supplemental materials could enhance the learning experience, such as more varied practice sheets or digital tools tailored to different learning speeds and preferences​ (Homeschooling 4 Him)​.

Advice from Parents Parents recommend ensuring consistent practice and taking full advantage of the resources available, such as the Getty-Dubay app and bonus content. They also suggest integrating handwriting practice with other subjects to keep it engaging and relevant to the student's interests​ (Homeschooling 4 Him)​.

Who It’s An Ideal Fit For The Getty-Dubay Italic Handwriting program is ideal for students who prefer a clear, structured approach to handwriting that still allows for some personal flair. It's particularly suitable for those who struggle with the fine motor skills required for looped cursive​ (Homeschooling 4 Him)​.

Who It’s Probably Not a Fit For This program might not be the best fit for those who prefer traditional looped cursive or who are looking for a highly digitized or interactive learning experience. It may also be less suitable for those who require more tactile or kinesthetic learning aids beyond handwriting practice sheets​ (Homeschooling 4 Him)​.

Grades Kindergarten through 6th grade.

Cost The complete set of books costs around $95, with individual books priced at approximately $13.75 each. Other materials and apps may have additional costs​ (Homeschooling 4 Him)​.

Ways to Get It The Getty-Dubay Italic Handwriting Series and supplementary materials can be purchased through the official Getty-Dubay website, as well as through various educational suppliers and bookstores. The app can be downloaded for tablets, providing a digital option for handwriting practice​ (Handwriting Success)​​ (Homeschooling 4 Him)​.

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