Handwriting Without Tears: Multisensory strategies for early writing!
The Handwriting Without Tears® curriculum was developed from years of research that the founder developed to help her own son. When, in 1977, she observed him crying about handwriting, she started working on strategies to support him. As she saw him progress, she decided to make this available to other students and created "Handwriting Without Tears". The program draws on pedagogically sound, evidence-based teaching strategies, but also strives to make the program fun and engaging. Digital or physical tools are available for parents who don’t want to use screens. The program is lefty-friendly. Parents especially appreciate the simple and intuitive approach. They find it easy to personalize. The program also draws connections to math, social studies, ELA and science, so students enrich their understanding of other topics wihle learning handwriting. Some parents complain that pre-K students are only taught capital letters. However, this is deliberate. When children learn to write, capitals are easier. The program teaches recognition or lowercase letters in Pre-K, but only teaches capital writing in Pre-K. Families have observed that this program is a particularly good fit for children on the autism spectrum and with sensory processing issues that impede their typical enjoyment of handwriting.
Grades: PK-5th grade+
Cost: While each workbook or hands-on activity has a different cost, the bundle pack of "Letters and Numbers for Me" + "Building Writers A" + "Writing Journal A" is priced at $19.95
OTHER DETAILS
Key features
Type of Tool: Website, Textbook
Time required: There is no time limit on the hands-on tools (chalkboard, letter shapes, audio CD). The workbook activities are quick and engaging, too!
Special Needs:
Literacy Requirement (does a child need to know how to read):
Screens
Screens: Screens are optional
Online requirement:
Time
Parent/Caregiver Involvement:
Prep Time: Minimal prep time
Other characteristics
Modality: Audio, Visual, Audiovisual, Multimedia, Hands-on/kinesthetic
Adaptive: No, it is the same for every student
Educational Philosophy: Not really, doesn't seem to be influenced by a particular educational philosophy
Other characteristics: Hands-on, Project-based, Self-directed learning, Interdisciplinary, Inclusive of diverse viewpoints and perspectives, Fun and entertaining
Accountability
Assessment: Yes, there are built in assessment tools
State Standards: The Handwriting Without Tears website states: “the majority of our products and resources correlate best with the English Language Arts standards for Common Core despite there being few specific handwriting standards. Our products and resources meet the goals of multiple standards. Often, a variety of activities and products will achieve the same goal or standard, making it easy to reach children’s various learning styles.”
Teacher Accounts:
Read Reviews: https://www.thehomeschoolmom.com/homeschool-curriculum-reviews/handwriting-without-tears/
Purchase: https://shopping.lwtears.com/category/HWT?m=Retail
