HANDWRITING A Writer’s Tool Chapter 13. Handwriting Handwriting is the formation of alphabetic...
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Transcript of HANDWRITING A Writer’s Tool Chapter 13. Handwriting Handwriting is the formation of alphabetic...
HANDWRITINGA Writer’s Tool
Chapter 13
Handwriting
Handwriting is the formation of alphabetic symbols on paper
Instruction emphasizes legibility Instruction emphasizes fluency Handwriting should be kept in
perspective
Handwriting Forms
Traditional Manuscript / printing (Figure 13-6 – p. 448)
Advantages Young children lack eye-hand coordination
necessary for cursive Similar to type style in primary-level reading
books Disadvantages
Reversal of b / d Students must learn two totally kinds of
handwriting within several years
Handwriting Forms
Cursive / connected (Figure 13-6 – p. 449) Advantages
Continuous movement Children view as grown-up handwriting
Children’s awareness and interest in imitating are indicators of readiness for cursive
Handwriting Forms D’Nealian (Figure 13-7 – p. 450)
Innovation manuscript Uses same basic forms children need for
cursive Designed to increase legibility and fluency Ease of transition from manuscript to
cursive Research has not documented it is better
that traditional
Children’s Handwriting Development
Handwriting in kindergarten Interest in writing is stimulated Develop ability to hold writing
instruments Print letters of the alphabet Experiment with writing using paper,
pencils, pens, crayons, paintbrushes Instruction in holding pencil and forming
letters correctly is necessary
Children’s Handwriting Development
Formal handwriting instruction begins in first grade
Children learn to form manuscript letters, to space, and elements of legibility
Place what is to be copied close to child
Children’s Handwriting Development
Children should create own writing or possibly copy interactive writing compositions or Language Experience stories
Wide-lined paper with dotted midline is typically used
Children’s Handwriting Development
Graham (1992) reported that beginner (fat) pencils are not better than regular size pencils for young children
Regular size pencils have erasers and children prefer to use regular pencils
No evidence to support that specially shaped pencils and small writing aids that slip onto pencils improve grips
Children’s Handwriting Development
Instruction in cursive typically occurs in the first semester of third grade
Lowercase letters are taught first, then connecting strokes
Time of transition is usually dictated by tradition – not sound educational theory
All students in a school or district are introduced to cursive at the same time
Cursive does not replace manuscript
Children’s Handwriting Development
Better to introduce cursive in first or second grades if students show early interest and are developmentally ready
Debate of when to introduce cursive continues
Children’s Handwriting Development
Sequence of Handwriting Development – p. 453
Best taught in minilessons Observing the teacher model is
better than copying models that have already been written
Teaching Handwriting:Elements of Legibility
Letter formation Size and proportion Spacing Slant Alignment Line quality
The Left-Handed Writer
Handedness is typically developed by age 5
Teachers, with help from parents, must help children who haven’t develop handedness to consistently use one hand for handwriting and other fine motor activities
If not, neither hand will develop fine-motor control required for handwriting
The Left-Handed Writer
Difference in right- and left-handed writing is physical orientation
Avoid allowing left-handed children to adopt the “hook” position
The Left-Handed Writer
Hold pencils at least 1.5 inches from the tip
Do not “hook” the hand—practice on a vertical surface (place handwriting paper or classroom dry-erase board)
The Left-Handed Writer
Tilt paper slightly to the right (right-handed tilt paper to left);
using masking tape on desk to indicate proper amount of tilt is helpful
Avoid more than a 45 degree angle for slant of letters
Correcting Problems
Have students use the six elements of legibility to diagnose problems
Checklist for Assessing Manuscript Handwriting – p. 458
Involve students in developing checklists
Handwriting influences teacher evaluation and grading (Graham, 1992)