Learning to write in a clear, fast and legible manner is an ongoing process that takes effort and time. The handwriting learning curve begins in pre-school or kindergarten and continues up through to fifth or sixth grade.

Before teaching handwriting:

There are some practical decisions to consider before starting to teach handwriting:

a. The method of instruction:

            There are many different handwriting styles you can choose from before starting to teach handwriting.

b. The writing instrument:

            The writing instrument should be held rather than squeezed. Young children find a wide pencil more comfortable. Many children prefer hexagonal pencils to round ones as this shape gives them a better grip. Some educators, however, argue that “small hands manage thin pencils more easily”. The obvious course of action is try one type of pencil first and, if the child is happy with it, do not change. If the child is not happy with it, try other types until you find the right one.

c. A pencil grip?

            If a child has problems with a grip, we recommend slipping a pencil grip onto the child’s pencil. Such a device positions the child’s fingers correctly on the pencil and keeps the fingers from slipping out of position. Pencil grips come in different styles, colors and hand preference (right or left). Prices range from about $.30 to $2.00 and can be found at parents/teachers stores and office supply stores.

Pencil grip or no grip*?

d. To erase or not to erase?

            This is another interesting issue. Some educators feel pretty strongly about having students erasing and rewriting unacceptable work, while others prefer just to show students how to cross out their mistakes neatly with one or two lines. The latter argue that erasing undesirable marks not only takes time, but also disturbs the mental flow that is needed for smooth writing, and it therefore has a damaging effect on the student’s self-esteem. A finished paper with neat lines through mistakes is much cleaner and more attractive than a paper containing smudges and tear stains.

Ramon Abajo, Handwriting Expert & Teacher of the Year

Downhill Publishing LLC

Handwriting Fonts

Are you tired of looking in the Internet for free handwriting worksheets?  Or are you one of those teachers or even parents who make the worksheets by hand? Technology is bringing to you amazing ways to accomplish this without spending long hours on it.  There incredible Handwriting Fonts out there that can not only make your life easier but can make you a better professional. 

How do they work?

Print Handwriting Fonts

Downhill Publishing LLC, creators of nationally acclaimed Fonts 4 Teachers, have created 6 amazing handwriting fonts for teachers and kids to use at school.  These fonts are fully scalable, can be used with dots, lines, and arrows or a combination of all.  They are an ideal practice for kids in the early grades as well as for students in Special Education or English Learners.

• ABC Print
• ABC Print Dotted
• ABC Print Dotted Lined
• ABC Print Lined
• ABC Print Arrow
• ABC Print Arrow Dotted