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Topic: Handwriting Advice for Artistic 10 yo DD

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Kathryn
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Posted: May 13 2009 at 1:26pm \| IP Logged

Hello,

I will be starting to HS my DD age 10 in the Fall and she has always loved to write (and draw and create and be waay more artistic than me). Anyway, her handwriting has been beautiful since 1st grade and the older she gets, the more she practices and adds all kinds of "fancies" to her letters when doing cards, letters, notes etc.

I want to encourage her to continue to enjoy the art of writing and was thinking about looking into getting a calligraphy program or something like that. Is she too young for that? Then I read about the Spencerian program from another post and thought about that. Any suggestions/advice? Then I'm thinking I won't need to have her continue practicing a formal cursive handwriting program or should I just let that be done in her regular "assignments"?

Thank you,

Kathryn

Becky Parker
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Posted: May 14 2009 at 6:42am \| IP Logged

Hi Kathryn,
Your daughter sounds a lot like mine! Our trouble was that, with all her artistic touches, the writing was getting harder to read! I actually let her choose a handwriting program for this past year. We looked at the Italic series and the Spencerian. She chose the Italic, and she's been so serious about it all year. It really has improved her handwriting, and since she finds it attractive, she works extra hard at it. I also told her the Italic seems like a precursor to the caligraphy she wants to learn. I don't think she's ready for caligraphy yet. Maybe we'll try that next year. My goal for this year was to get her handwriting legible, and the italic did the trick. But, I think it had a lot to do with the fact that she chose it too.
Hope that helps a little.

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Mackfam
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Posted: May 19 2009 at 2:27pm \| IP Logged

Kathryn,
Thanks for letting me know about your thread in a pm...I missed it the first time!

These days, I'm usually rushing through whatever I write and I take less time than I should, but once upon a time I did enjoy cultivating the art of beautiful writing and I have some resources for you to consider for your dd. If she enjoys penmanship and has a creative flair then any of these would be lovely. Just let her move at her own pace, and encourage. If she finds anything too "school-ish" and assigned, that may take some of the love out of it for her. Just feel that one out.

Spencerian Penmanship - this is the set I use, and I love it. I plan to order additional copybooks for my daughter and myself this year. Hand written letters are such a rare treasure these days - fostering the skill and beauty of lovely penmanship is something I have long delighted in!

The Calligraphers Handbook - I have this book and enjoy it very much. You can use your Michael's coupon and buy a quality calligraphy pen. The calligraphy practice pad would be handy to have for practice.

ZIG Primary Pens - I like these because you don't have to change nibs or dip in ink...both of which are deliciously romantic and nostalgic, but not a bit practical.

Illuminated Lettering Kit is something I have on order, but haven't used yet. What a lovely rabbit trail to strike out on with a study of medieval times.

The Bible of Illuminated Letters would be an extraordinary reference tool and could provide YEARS of instruction in the art if this becomes a passion for her. In itself it is a comprehensive history of the art of illuminated lettering, and I could see it becoming an entire course in my young lady's future if she is inclined.

Illuminated Letter Designs for inspiration.

Treasury of Floral Designs and Initials would be another must-have for inspiration in adding flourishes...but my tastes have a decidedly Victorian bent so, keep that in mind with my recommendations!

There are many other resources I could recommend, but I'm not sure in which direction your dd would be more drawn so I tried to recommend some basics that she could work with and begin to develop her hand - you can help her pursue the art from there. Hope this helps a little!!!

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Jen Mackintosh
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Kathryn
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Posted: May 19 2009 at 8:03pm \| IP Logged

Thank you soooo much!!! As this school year draws to a close, she is getting a bit apprehensive to be leaving her friends and the traditional school setting she's known for 5 years now! GULP...where does the time go?! Anyway, these things will be something to encourage and let her know she'll be able to do in a homeschool setting that probably wouldn't be able to be explored if she continued in traditional school.

Thanks again for your time,
:-)
Kathryn

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