Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Handwriting

Most educators agree that handwriting is still foundational to many subjects, even with the advent of the computer. The HMH handwriting series is a versatile program, providing two approaches identical in structure and progression (down to the exact page), with regular practice and evaluation (every 6-8 lessons). For the first three levels, you can select from one of two options. A Ball & Stick method follows a more traditional approach, teaching handwriting by its individual parts. A second option, the continuous stroke method (modern style) uses a manuscript where letters have curved strokes at the end of each letter. This approach can often provide a smoother transition to cursive.

Beginning with Kindergarten (the Starter Level) teaches strokes – top/bottom, over/under/through, left to right, curved and line strokes. Workbook pages teach letter recognition, numbers 0-10, number words in English and Spanish, the question mark and period, and letters by stroke groups. The book is divided into groups of lessons and there is review and evaluation at the end of each group. There are 94 horizontal pages, lessons are only one page each, and children begin writing words and phrases at the lesson 25 evaluation. Students practice writing short sentences beginning with lesson 46. Includes 71 lessons and 94 pgs.

Level A begins with review of both lower- and upper-case letters, strokes, spacing, and smoothness. Lessons 15-19 review numbers, just the digits - not the words. Lesson 20 and forward practice handwriting with letter formation, words, phrases, and sentences. Includes 82 lessons and 94 pgs.

Cursive letters are introduced in lesson 37 of Level B. Children begin by matching and comparing manuscript and cursive letters and words; cursive connector strokes in lessons 43-45; begin writing letters in cursive in lesson 48; practice cursive words in lesson 50; phrases begin with lesson 60; and complete sentences in lesson 74. Includes 102 lessons with additional practice. 126 total pgs.

Level C starts with a review of manuscript and cursive letters, matching and transposing from one to the other, undercurve, overcurve, and cross-stroke connections. Starting in lesson 14, lessons will alternate between lowercase and uppercase practice. Instructions on how to form the letter will follow with lines to practice and perfect it. The bottom of each page will include exercises of copywork with words and sentences provided. There are a total of 79 lessons and 9 evaluation pages. In a school year, a suggested schedule could be to practice penmanship every other lesson or three times a week.

Level D helps students transition to writing properly on notebook paper. Further practice of connecting tricky letters is reviewed. Copywork of sentences and paragraphs will reinforce what has been learned. Starting on lesson 30, students will practice with proofreading, writing letters, addressing envelopes, book reports, thank you notes, and more. There are a total of 76 lessons and 9 evaluation pages. In a school year, a suggested schedule could be to practice penmanship every other lesson or three times a week.

The Starter, A and B levels in either option use a horizontal orientation, while levels C and D are vertical (94 pgs.). No teacher editions are necessary; all instruction is included in the student material.