Not liking HWT...

[stephanie]

I had always used ZB for handwriting then switched to HWT for cursive for my ds9 and dd7. Well,now that we are almost done with the book, I don't like the way the cursive flows from letter to letter. Is it that as their handwriting develops it will flow easier? Specifically, when you have a lowercase b and connect it to another letter, HWT teaches to make a straight line to connect it to the next letter. Does anyone know what I'm talking about? I don't like the way it looks or flows. We've completed the 4th and 3rd grade cursive books and I don't feel they can still write fluently in cursive. Is it too late to switch back to ZB? Would the different styles completely confuse them? I'm just looking for some direction on this. Thanks!

[Claire]

I don't think it would be confusing to switch back to ZB. HWT is a simplified script and not everyone likes the way it looks.

[Chris in VA]

I looked at HWT and didn't like the cursive, either. Bummer, huh? The print is so nice.

I'm using Horizons Penmanship. If you aren't opposed to the Christian-ness of it (yep, that's my own word!), I think it's a good way to go. It reminds me of the way I was taught to write.

[Excelsior! Academy]

Whyyyy?!!

I love HWT, but you don't have to. Really. I. won't. cry. ;)


Handwriting Without Tears does maintain the line to connect off of the b, o, w, and other "tow truck letters." I had apprehensions at first, but then warmed to the idea. People compliment my dds on their handwriting, and one is starting a slant on her own. It is not for everyone, though. When people consider HWT the first thing I warn them about is the vertical cursive.

[Sue G in PA]

and he's doing just fine. I, personally, couldn't stand the HWT cursive...not "pretty" enough for me. Okay, I know, dumb reason! We use A Reason for Handwriting now. You could just as easily use a generic handwriting workbook. The switch is not tough. Dc will be fine!

[Cadam]

If you want pretty flowing handwriting HWT is not your thing. It is very legible and the strokes are simple but beautiful it is not. Remember it was developed for kids with small motor issues.

[Suzanne in ABQ]

We went all the way through the 4th grade book in HWT, then my dc got tired of the style. My dd wanted a fancier, traditional look, and my ds wanted to slant his letters. For awhile, I was just creating copywork in MSWord, using Educational Fontware, and italicizing it. It worked pretty well, but I got tired of doing it (translation: I stopped doing it). :) Instead, I just got the R4H books (level D for 4th grade ds, and Level F for 6th grade dd). It was easy for them to make the switch. They love the style, and they love Reason for Handwriting.

[frogpond1]

I have with my kids and I've had no problems.

[Robyn]

We had the same experience. Ds learned HWT cursive easily, but I did not like the way it looked.

I ditched it, but instead of buying another program, I starting writing out a few lines from his memory work in cursive for him to copy. I didn't expect him to change his style to mine(which is sort-of a D'Nealian/ZB combo) right away, but I pointed out subtle differences every day. He still doesn't slant his letters as much as I'd like, but it is much more flowy(is that a word?lol). We are getting there.

I don't see why switching to a ZB workbook would be any different. I just wouldn't expect them to completely change their writing style overnight, or they could get very frustrated. They will probably like the looks of the ZB cursive better and that will be motivation in itself.

[Txmom]

still prints she doesnot do cursive.

[momofkhm]

Once ds know how to form all his letters, I'm going to buy the cursive copybooks from Memoria Press. I'm more concerned with him getting lots of practice with cursive than how it is actually formed. I love that my girls have pretty handwriting (d'nelian from private school) but I'm just not that into it for ds.