Lower Case Manuscript Letter

If you happen to own a program with manuscript fonts, you can create hundreds of worksheets to practice lower-case letters in kindergarten.  Besides, you can have all the manuscript letters embedded into sentences, which adds a little bit of complexity in kindergarten.  Once you have created the worksheets, it is important to brainstorm name times when students use lower-case manuscript letters.  Read aloud the directions and title on the page. Students are to form the letters like the model you give them. Finally, remind students to make their tall letters touch the top line.  Then they are ready to practice independently. 

Follow up on students work: write on the chalkboard a couple of sentences:

1. Did I make tall letters touch the top line?

2. Did I form each letter like the model?

Check works and see who might need extra help.  Workshop time is great to reinforce correct lower-case letters formation. Make as many worksheets with manuscript fonts as need it.

Ramon Abajo, Handwriting Expert & Teacher of the Year

Downhill Publishing LLC

Programs that include manuscript fonts are really versatile for school use.  Since manuscript handwriting is common ground for all schools in the country, it makes sense to find programs that can provide teachers with the necessary tools for daily practice.  Some of these programs allow you to practice letters in a very fashionable way:

Manuscript Handwriting: Letters

You can also practice numbers with manuscript fonts.

Manuscript Handwriting: Letters

It is very easy now to practice manuscript handwriting with fonts.

Ramon Abajo, Handwriting Expert & Teacher of the Year

Downhill Publishing LLC

Vertical Manuscript

People still wonder why vertical manuscript fits the needs of beginning writers and readers.  Its simplicity makes vertical manuscript a critical piece in the education of young learners.  The following reasons explain why learning to write the vertical manuscript alphabet plays a crucial role in student’s literacy development and why it should remain part of a language arts curriculum:

Reason 1.Vertical manuscript is familiar.  It is supported by every day’s environment at “Sesame Street” and other TV programs, games ..

Reason 2. Vertical Manuscript is easy for children to write.  Strokes are part of children’s basic drawings.

Reason 3. Vertical manuscript is highly legible.  It really helps to write essays to fill a job application or an college entry exam.

Reason 4. Vertical manuscript supports reading.  It helps students focus their attention on shapes.

Reason 5. Vertical manuscript is a life-long skill.  Students will continue to practice manuscript for the rest of their academic life.

Researchers in this field do not support the use of slant writing in the early stages of student development.

Ramon Abajo, Handwriting Expert & Teacher of the Year

Downhill Publishing LLC

Manuscript Handwriting Lessons

When children are already familiar practicing basic strokes, it is time go one step further and the teachers should start introducing more complex strokes.  It is recommended to practice with real objects.  For example, if you are to draw a circle, have the children draw pictures of round objects like balls, oranges, watermelons… Proceed similarly with other pictures resembling strokes. 

The following 7 commandments of manuscript handwriting lessons have been take from the book “Handwriting Research and Resources: A Guide to Curriculum Planning” by Zaner-Bloser.

Commandment 1.  Begin each lesson by reminding the children to sit correctly, place paper in the proper position, and hold the pen or pencil correctly.

Commandment 2.  Demonstrate the right way to make letters on the chalkboard.  For instance, make all vertical strokes from the top down and all horizontal strokes from left to right.

Commandment 3.  Teach letters containing the easiest strokes first, such as straight lines (l, i, and t).

Commandment 4.  Generally teach letters based on similar strokes together, such as o, b, and e, but avoid teaching letters that are reversals of each other at the same time, such as b and d.

Commandment 5.  Carefully supervise practice by walking among the students.  Model the correct way to make a letter at a child’s desk if there is a problem.

Commandment 6.  Encourage the children to cross out mistakes rather than erase them because erasing often results in smudged or torn papers.

Commandment 7.  Expect each child to do his or her best work, even though all children may not be capable of meeting handwriting standards.

Programs like Fonts 4 Teachers can create hundreds of manuscript handwriting lessons for kids in minutes.  See for yourself!  LEAVE A POST!

Ramon Abajo, Handwriting Expert & Teacher of the Year

Downhill Publishing LLC

Fonts 4 Teachers can help you create thousands of handwriting worksheets with one of its manuscript fonts. With the following activity students will reinforce correct manuscript letter formation.

Manuscript Activity Sample 

• This format can be used to introduce and provide manuscript fonts to practice all capital and lowercase manuscript  letters.  Use level-appropriate words in practice.

• Suggestions: To create this activity sheet with Fonts 4 Teachers, use these fonts: Abc Print font, Abc Print Dotted font, Abc Print Lined font, Abc Print Dotted Lined font, Print Arrow Lined font (suggested size – 60 points and up). 

• Use the slash key to create continuous lines with manuscript fonts.

Ramon Abajo, Handwriting Expert & Teacher of the Year

Downhill Publishing LLC