INFO- Handwriting Without Tears
This is an EXCELLENT hands-on curriculum that we use in the Preschool setting. The multi-sensory approach to teaching letters and letter formation accommodates to different learning styles-- and makes it fun for our little ones!
If you have any questions about the following information, please let me know! I will have it all available to view during Parent-Teacher Conferences, as well.
WOODEN PIECES
These are the wooden pieces used to construct capital letters-- big/little curve, big/little lines.
You can do this at home by cutting out similar lines & curves out of paper!
WET, DRY, TRY
Students use the chalkboard to write the letter:
-wet.. with a small, damp sponge
-wet.. with a small, damp sponge
-dry.. with a small piece of a napkin/paper towel, tracing over the letter again
-try.. with a small piece of chalk, trying to write the letter!
You can do this at home with a small chalkboard, a piece from a sponge, and chalk.
The smaller, the better! This promotes the ideal pincer grasp!
*Picture slideshow below*
STAMP & SEE
Students use the familiar big/little lines & curves to stamp out the letter, attempting to write it when they're finished.
You can do this at home with a 'magnadoodle'!
*Picture slideshow below*
OTHER IDEAS..
While these are not related to Handwriting Without Tears, these are easy ways to practice letters at home.
*Picture slideshow below*
MULTI-SENSORY APPROACH
To construct the letters, we use the following materials:
- WOOD PIECES: We construct letters using 4 simples lines made of wood. We also have large, laminated cards for the pieces to fit onto for more visual learners.
- ROLL-A-DOUGH LETTERS: We use red dough on laminated letter cards that fit into a tray to construct letters.
- STAMP & SEE SCREEN: Similar to a 'MagnadDodle', we use magnetic lines to stamp letters onto the screen. Some of our laminated letter cards also fit directly onto this for students who need more visual support.
- ABC TOUCH & FLIP CARDS: Tactile letter cards, where the letters feel like sandpaper.
HWT "Lines"
With Handwriting Without Tears, most capital letters can be created with the use of 4 simples lines:
- BIG LINE
- LITTLE LINE
- BIG CURVE
- LITTLE CURVE
As students begin the process of letter formation, both teacher and students verbalize how to make it.
For instance, to create an "L", you would start your letter "at the top".
The letter is then created with a "Big Line down" and a "Little Line across".
You create an "F" with a "Big Line down, jump back to the top, Little Line across, Little Line across in the middle".