heartofdakota.com

I really like A Reason for Handwriting, but 2 of my dc need some remediation in handwriting. I have used Handwriting without Tears with my dd7 with Prining Power and I am about to finish it. My ds6 has similar handwriting issues and we have started using A reason for handwriting K with LHFHG. I know that the A reason for handwriting series has a guidebook that has remediation in it. Has anyone used the guidebook while using any of the A reason for handwriting books? If so, what did you think of it for remediation of grip issues, formation issues, and such?
I am either a) going to drop A reason for handwriting and start with Handwriting without tears My print book with ds6 and move on to HWT cursive with dd7 or b) buy the A reason for handwriting guidebook and finish K with ds6 and start Transition with dd7. Does anyone have any experience with using it with the guidebook for the purpose of remediation? Does anyone have experience with dc who need handwriting remediation and would recommend using Handwriting without tears? or any other recommendations for handwriting remediation?
Thanks,
Val

Dear WigglesMom,

I did A Reason for Handwriting last year with both of my kids (then 8/9 and 6). I have the guide but didn't use it a great deal. I like the book for older kids but the book my 6 yo used didn't use straight scripture. They were paraphrases. My ds came to me one day and said, "This is the coolest verse ever. Show me where it is in my Bible so I can mark it." The verse was poorly paraphrased and I honestly didn't think it was so "cool" to have to tell him it wasn't in the Bible. After that I stopped using it for him and went to something else. I did like the focus on slant, size, spacing, and form.

If you are starting with a newbie, Zaner-Bloser (from their website) has good books. Cheerful Cursive worked well with my ds this year.

I have worked and brainstormed on my youngest ds grip to no avail. I think he has a flexibility issue with his thumb. It does not want to bend, but stay straight. So he over grips with Mr. Thumb. Honestly, I think handwriting is one of those areas where "you can't expect, what you don't inspect". When I daily inspect their handwriting and let them know what I expect and what I will not accept, I get better work from them. I am thinking of doing a little incentive program with my kids on their handwriting and reward (especially my grip-challenged son) when I catch him doing it correctly with good results.

Sarah