4Real Forums: Write-On Handwriting?

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Topic: Write-On Handwriting?

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hmbress
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Posted: Sept 18 2008 at 8:36pm \| IP Logged

Has anyone used this? The software looks really neat, using a mouse or stylus to help the child learn the letter formation patterns and develop muscle memory. It looks like the child could teach himself in large part!

I'm having a hard time finding any reviews on it though ...

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Heather Rose (ds13, ds10)

hmbress
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Posted: Sept 23 2008 at 7:56am \| IP Logged

Anyone?

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Heather Rose (ds13, ds10)

Lara Sauer
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Posted: Sept 23 2008 at 9:19am \| IP Logged

I don't have any experience with the program that you are looking at, but I don't think there can be any real subsitute for a pencil, correctly positioned in the hands of a child, and a piece of paper, in front of the child to teach appropriate letter formation and coordination. You simply don't use the same muscles to hold a mouse as you do when you hold a pencil. The mouse is much larger and doesn't engage the muscles necessary for the fine motor skills required for good penmanship.

My little kids loved the exercises that go along with the "Handwriting Without Tears" approach...tracing letters on a small chalkboard with a chalk and then erasing it with a wet sponge, pouring sand in a tray and tracking the letters the pan either with the tip of the finger or with a pencil, etc.

I can happily say that my soon to be 16 year old son and my 14 year old son both have really beautiful penmanship and my 11 year old daughter's is improving everyday.

Good luck with your decision.

Peace.

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hmbress
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Posted: Sept 23 2008 at 11:42am \| IP Logged

Yes, I agree there is no substitute for hands on - but this looks like another (albeit less sensorial) way to develop the muscle memory similar to the ways you mentioned, without me having to be right there.

My 5yo wants to learn cursive, and I thought perhaps this might be a quick and easy way for him to learn the proper letter formation before switching to pencil and paper. He loves to self-teach whenever he can. But the program seems pricey, hence my wondering if anyone else had tried it.

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Heather Rose (ds13, ds10)

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