Handwriting

At the Sculley Academy, we do formal handwriting for approximately 7 years, or until their handwriting meets my approval (I will waive this rule if they want to be doctors ;)). P finished his handwriting studies in 2003, and studied keyboarding in 2003 – 04. J finished his handwriting studies in 2005, and completed keyboarding in 2006.

When our children are first starting to learn to write, around age 4, they start with ReadyWriter. It is an excellent resource for learning pre-writing skills and good pencil control.

They then move on to the wonderful series, Reason for Writing, to learn handwriting skills. Not only does it teach traditional manuscript and cursive writing, but it provides a weekly opportunity for the children to create a beautiful border sheet containing a Bible verse, which they can decorate and give away to someone. This has been a favorite for many years now, and each week they delight in choosing who to surprise and bless. I have several on my wall, and am encouraged daily.

The Reason for Writing books we use are:

1st grade — Words of Promise (manuscript)

2nd grade — Words of Jesus (manuscript / cursive)

3rd grade — Words to Live By (manuscript / cursive)

4th grade — Words of Love (cursive)

5th grade — Words of Praise (cursive)

6th grade — Words of Wisdom (cursive)

(There is also a book in the series which precedes Words of Promise, but we omit that because after doing ReadyWriter, the children don’t need that level.)