We began homeschooling when my oldest son was going into third grade. He couldn't wait to learn cursive handwriting. I did a little bit of research into handwriting, but it was low on my list of things to worry about when we began homeschooling. I had heard Handwriting Without Tears (HWT) mentioned many times, so when I stumbled cross a workbook for third grade cursive at a used curriculum sale, I snapped it up.
HWT is simple, fun, and compatible with all learning styles. It can be taught with as little or as much parental involvement as a child desires (in my house that means one child who wants ZERO help and another who wants 100% of Mom's help). HWT is especially good for children with motor delays or learning differences because it is simple, fun, and incorporates a broad, multi-sensory approach. It does not have include an overwhelming amount of drilling.
I especially love the simple, fun and easy lessons. They required little (if any) preparation on my part. Handwriting is completed in 15 minutes or less and the children enjoy the lessons. Frequently they ask for and complete more than a single lesson in a day.
My oldest son completed fifth grade this year, and finished the HWT program. I was very pleased with his fifth grade HWT book - it was humorous, helpful and interesting for him. He has very nice handwriting and has never complained about his time mastering it. I am also very pleased with his neat, legible handwriting.
I also like HWT because it can be very inexpensive. Many of their additional items can be replaced with items you may have at home, and I've had a great deal of luck finding many of them at used curriculum sales. For three years, I purchased only the student workbook for my oldest child. If I used them at all, I found teacher's books at different sales or bought them used online. I enjoyed having the teachers manual especially for my youngest child in her first level of print and again in the first level of cursive.
The program is very well-rounded and is a fun, creative way to teach your child handwriting. My daughter enjoys it so much, she has asked to continue handwriting lessons during summer break. Of course, I said "yes."
Showing posts with label Reviews. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Reviews. Show all posts
Friday, June 15, 2012
Why We Love Handwriting Without Tears
Monday, June 20, 2011
School is Where the Home Is
I was absolutely thrilled when I saw that Anita Mellott was looking for reviewers for her new devotion book, School is Where the Home Is: 180 Devotions for Parents. I was even more excited when I got a spot on the list!
As a mama who is new to homeschool, there is still so much that I don’t know, haven’t experienced, or that causes me anxiety. It is one of the reasons I am so glad that today’s homeschool isn’t “out mother’s homeschool”. Today there are so many more options, so much more support.
Still, there’s something about having that extra bit of encouragement first thing in the morning (or right before I go to bed at night). Anita Mellott is a homeschool mama herself—and her compassion and desire to raise her kids in the Lord’s way while educating them from home shows in each and every devotion. From light-hearted stories to advice for the hard times, her devotions link her experiences with God’s Word.
Each devotion is relatively short, easily read in 5 minutes or so…which is great for a SAHM trying to balance life and the snags it throws our way. I enjoyed the way she divided up the devotions into separate categories, which gives me a quick glance at what I can expect for the day. It will also come in handy when I refer to this book over and over when I am struggling in my daily walk with my kids on this journey of home education.
At the end of each day, Anita challenges us to reflect on the devotion in different ways—from personal questions to reading in the Bible to taking our own steps to influence positive change in our lives. Personalizing each devotion gives us something to go to the Lord about in our prayers.
I would recommend School is Where the Home Is for any homeschool parent, old or new. It comes with great advice and relatable stories. It’s easy to read and the short devos make it convenient, as well as useful. So, if you’re looking for a little extra encouragement, you can find our more information at:
Never underestimate the power of encouragement!
Do you have any recommendations for a good devo or even just an encouraging book for homeschooling parents?
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