Cursive resources

[Bluegoat]

I'm looking for a good cursive writing program for a five year old. We've been doing some printing, but dd1 wants to learn "fancy" writing, and I've become convinced that there is no good reason to spend a lot of time on printing.

Something inexpensive would be great, and at this point we are only spending about 5 min a day on writing.

[jessicaSAR]

I used Cursive First with my first dd, and am now using it with my 6yo, and really like it. I think it is a prettier style than Handwriting Without Tears (which is also an excellent program), and it teaches handwriting using the 70 basic phonograms so it reinforces any phonics teaching you are doing. The small half sheets are great for short 5-10 min handwriting sessions. It costs $20 (they recommend the extra phonogram cards, but you don't need them, especially if you are familiar with the 70 basic phonograms).

You can also find lots of online resources for free. I like the Donna Young site, which has manuscript and cursive in different styles, and free printable worksheets.

http://donnayoung.org/penmanship/index.htm

[theretohere]

Originally Posted by jessicaSAR

I used Cursive First with my first dd, and am now using it with my 6yo, and really like it. I think it is a prettier style than Handwriting Without Tears (which is also an excellent program), and it teaches handwriting using the 70 basic phonograms so it reinforces any phonics teaching you are doing. The small half sheets are great for short 5-10 min handwriting sessions. It costs $20 (they recommend the extra phonogram cards, but you don't need them, especially if you are familiar with the 70 basic phonograms).

You can also find lots of online resources for free. I like the Donna Young site, which has manuscript and cursive in different styles, and free printable worksheets.

http://donnayoung.org/penmanship/index.htm

We used the Cursive First stuff and loved it, as well. I also really like that it's reproducible- you can make as many copies for your family as you want!

[elizawill]

i would also suggest cursive first. we personally use HWT, but i don't introduce cursive when teaching handwriting in the beginning. it is secondary to manuscript writing & it's geared for grade 3 (although we did it in grade2). i absolutely love HWT, but "cursive first" is specifc to teaching ....well....cursive first have fun!

[elizawill]

Originally Posted by theretohere

We used the Cursive First stuff and loved it, as well. I also really like that it's reproducible- you can make as many copies for your family as you want!

totally OT, but congrats on your new baby!!!!

[Savoir Faire]

We just ordered Cursive First for a 4-year-old boy and a 5-year-old girl. Am excited to start!

[theretohere]

Originally Posted by elizawill

totally OT, but congrats on your new baby!!!!

Aw, thanks! It's definitely added a new dimension to our homeschooling.

[Laniemama]

I am doing and love Cursive First with my 5 year old, just turned 6. This is definitely geared toward younger kids and is great for quick work. There are a lot of studies out there about teaching cursive first, instead of print, its more natural and usually easier for them to learn at that age. I will definitely be using it with my younger kids when the time comes!

[Bluegoat]

THanks everyone, I think I'll be ordering Cursive First - now to see if I can find a Canadian supplier!

[oceanbaby]

We just started using New American Cursive and the kids love it.

[*Jessica*]

Sorry to hijack, but I have a related question.

I've considered ordering Cursive First to use next year, but I have a child who is already writing manuscript. Does Cursive First work for a child who already writes well, or is it really only for children who haven't had any lessons in letter formation? (Did that question make sense?! lol) Would I be better off with something like HWT?

[jessicaSAR]

Originally Posted by *Jessica*

Sorry to hijack, but I have a related question.

I've considered ordering Cursive First to use next year, but I have a child who is already writing manuscript. Does Cursive First work for a child who already writes well, or is it really only for children who haven't had any lessons in letter formation? (Did that question make sense?! lol) Would I be better off with something like HWT?

Both my girls learned to print before beginning Cursive First. It works fine as a cursive program for children who can already write.

[*Jessica*]

Originally Posted by jessicaSAR

Both my girls learned to print before beginning Cursive First. It works fine as a cursive program for children who can already write.

Thank you Jessica! That is very helpful!