Handwriting Without Tears?

[SundayCrepes]

I'm the type of unschooling mom that does quite a bit of strewing. If my kids don't like it, I don't push, but I might try again (or not. Depends on overall chance of kid interest.)

So I'm thinking about HWOT. I got some wooden letter pieces for nearly nothing. My son has been really excited to make the templates (we don't have the cards at this time.) With our schedule, we just haven't gotten very far on making them. I'm contemplating just buying the cards so we have them then he can do this any time he wants.

But as far as the workbook is concerned. Has anyone found it to be a useful tool or did your kids just figure out handwriting just fine? Is the workbook something he could just pick up and get my help if he needs it or is it something you have to guide? Is it fun?

I'd appreciate your thoughts.

[Tigeresse]

I bought it for 2 of my kids....my oldest who is now 18 never wanted to learn cursive, but did learn enough to have a signature. He now prints everything except his sig and manages fine, but I'm not sure it really was in his best interests to just let that go. Soooo I bought 3 cursive workbooks from HWOT and asked the 2 younger boys to try them. The younger of the 2 responded amazingly and just loved it and actually is developing quite beautiful handwriting. The older one is less interested, but wants to have decent writing so has worked at it. My dd who is 7 tried the easiest book but it was too hard for her so I will be getting her some of the printing books.

I personally think the books are a well worth it for the price and if your kids do not like them not too much lost. I wish I had invested the $9.50 or whatever it is with ds 1!

Disclaimer: I lean more toward the relaxed eclectic end of unschooling.

[CrazyCatLady]

I haven't tried them but my dd's OT highly recommends it. Since it is so cheap I may buy it someday just to have around should my dd ever get more interested in writing.

[Starflower]

We have HWOT. Truthfully, it's still in the box (though the box is open ). We ordered when DD was interested but by the time it got here she didn't want to use it. Plus we were in the middle of a remodel.

I got the workbook, a teacher's book and some practice paper. We may eventually use it since DD says she wants to learn to write more easily. She draws her letters at this point and while they are legible, it takes her forever to write anything. I thought about selling the packet, but I will keep it around for a bit.

I probably could have just used the print out off the internet and showed her how to make the letters. Or just got the workbook for her. The teacher's booklet just makes me feel uptight. (I am really not a formal curriculum person.) However the entire package was only $30 so I knew going in that it was a financial risk I was willing to take.

I know a lot of people who love the program, but they are all more curriculum based homeschoolers. I just haven't been able to bring myself to push it.

[mapleleaf]

I don't know what HWOT is.

I think it depends on the child and if they are really interested in learning to write.

My daughter loves mail and making cards. Most of her hand writting practice comes when she wants to do these activites. I sometimes write out what she would like to say and she copies it down. Or sometimes I'm doing dishes and veberally spell out the words she wants. These activities are usually not done on paper with lines, don't know if that matters? Also, she often initiates this activity so is interested in doing it at the time.

I've just read a book where the author refers to books by Peggy Kaye. She has one called "Games for Writing: Playful Ways to Help Your Child Learn to Write". She also has "Games for Reading" and "Games for Math". I personally haven't looked at any of these books yet, but it may be worth seeing if your library has them for some ideas.

I just started reading a book called "Drawing with children : a creative teaching and learning method that works for adults, too" by Mona Brookes. Literally just started, I'm only past the introduction. Learning/practicing art/drawing is suppossed to help with holding writting materials, doing different shapes and stimulating brain activity. Apparently when children learn to draw their skills increase in other areas as well.

As for workbooks, my children sometimes like working in them. I don't really worry if they follow the rules, I read them the instructions if they want them. I personally think a lot of the exercises silly, but sometimes the kids like them so they do them! We have some available for them at home and bring them out when they ask for them.

Good luck!