K Handwriting...which do you perfer?

[Mom2Monkeys]

Italics A or A Reason...K? Why?

I like the format of "A Reason..." but prefer the Italics for cursive.

[water2wine]

We love Italic. I ordered A Reason then returned it. I love the concept but what was actually there did not seem as helpful as Italic. It has been the perfect fit for all my kids. In fairness I did not do A Reason so I can't really say anything more than looking at it. I am sure you would be fine with either. But for the long haul we have loved Italic. I use it with all my kids. I started with a 3 1/2 year old and also have in there one with special needs that is a lefty and she has done great. HTH a bit.

[AboveRubiesMama]

A Reason, just because we're not ready for cursive. But when it comes time for cursive, I think Italic is good.

[Mom2Monkeys]

So, if I were to start with A Reason... K, would it be an issue to switch to italics for cursive?

What if I did LHFHG over 2 years, would I complete A Reason...K for K then either A Reason...A or Italics B for 1st? Would it matter to make a switch that quickly?

My ds5 just doesn't have the coordination for handwriting. Although it has improved, I don't think he'll be ready for italics in K, but that's my personal preference (so I'd want to switch when it's reasonable).

[netpea]

So, if I were to start with A Reason... K, would it be an issue to switch to italics for cursive?

I wouldn't think so, we started with A Reason...K, then did A and part of B, then moved into Cheerful Cursive (which my son loves).

[jewel7123]

Anyone here used Handwriting Help for Kids? They have several items I'm interested in using before A Reason for Handwriting.

http://rainbowresource.com/product/Pre- ... 77-1900825

http://rainbowresource.com/product/Lear ... 77-1900825

[funkmomma71]

We actually tried using A Reason for Handwriting, but my dd was quickly bored! So now I create handwriting practice sheets using StartWrite. We just finished lowercase letters and now are moving on to uppercase. I will say that I'm glad I had the Reason workbook, it gave me a template to base the worksheets I make for my dd. She prefers to write full words and sentences, so I combine the practice of writing letters with new words and concepts she learns from RME. Between the writing practice included in RME and my homemade worksheets, my dd gets plenty of handwriting practice. I will keep the Reason workbook and use it with my ds when he's ready to learn basic letter formation and then use StartWrite to complete his handwriting skills.

Nancy

[Mom2Monkeys]

WHich writing style do you use on StartWrite? I guess I'm less concerned with presentation and more concerned with the actual handwriting style. If I plan to teach cursive using Italics, should I start him in italics? I feel like the italics might be difficult for him in K, but if I use LHFHG for two years as I'm planning, then we'll be doing Italics in 1st grade. If he learns to print with A Reason For...K in K, would it be too hard to go to Italics B in 1st to prepare for Italics D in 3rd for cursive? I like the simple transition from italic print to italic cursive, unlike many other programs that have a big change from print to cursive.

[my3sons]

We used "A Reason K" for both of our dc, and they both did great with it. One of my ds's loved coloring the accompanying pictures too, but the other son didn't choose to do that. We also did "A Reason A" with both of them (currently doing it with ds#2). I only have/had them do 3 letters on each line. Both did/do well with it. My oldest son practically taught himself cursive with "Cheerful Cursive" after that (I was on complete bedrest FOREVER, and he could do that well on his own). I am very grateful for Cheerful Cursive!!! He is writing in cursive so well on his own now this year. He prints too, but his Common Place book (he's doing with PHFHG) is done in cursive and is beautiful. I have not used Italic but think that looks like a good program too. I just wanted to say that "A Reason..." programs did prepare my dc very well for printing independently and learning cursive easily.

In Christ,
Julie

[funkmomma71]

We use the Handwriting Without Tears style, but that was after some trial and error. We will probably use a more traditional style for cursive. Most likely I will buy the Cheerful Cursive for second or third grade and use StartWrite to supplement. I love the flexibility of using StartWrite and my dd's handwriting improved by leaps and bounds because what she was practicing was interesting to her. Best Wishes.

Nancy

[SoaringEagle]

We started out with A Reason for Handwriting but my daughter didn't like the wide space to write the letters. We switched to the Italics book and she is enjoying it much better. I like it too and would recommend it.