Jan. 1, 2009 - Handwriting - Peterson Directed Handwriting
I was given the chance to review the 1st grade writing kit from Peterson Directed Handwriting and I must say I wasn't impressed. Don't get me wrong this is a great curriculum, if you begin with it. I had Hannah try it and she fought me on it and after a week of fighting, I admit I gave up. The teacher's manual was easy to understand and the lessons simple to prepare for so it wasn't that it was hard or took a lot of time to prepare, it's just that she already learned how to write and while her handwriting is legible it's not pretty so I was hoping to improve on it. I guess it will come with time at this point. I do think I will order the Kindergarten level for Bethanne next year though with the thought that if we start with it then it will work.
The 1st grade kit came with the Teacher Handbook, Pupil workbook, Try-Rex pencils and position guide. I also recieved the animated letter cards CD-Rom and handwriting songs audio CD with my kit. For the homeschool version like the one I recieved the cost is $38.55. It is worth it, like I said if you begin with it. The animated letters cards and songs were fun and neat to watch and listen to while providing educational material.
Rand Nelson, whose company this is, does a great job in making sure the kit you recieve for your child is unique to him or her - not a standardized curriculum. He makes time to talk with you one on one by email, chat room or phone to help you with any questions or even to give you techniques to help teach the handwriting curriculum. He is a man who wants his curriculum to succeed as well as see your child succeed in their handwriting endeavors.
I tried to follow some of the rules and found it hard myself to follow, but then again I have been writing for way longer than Hannah and old, old habits are hard to break. Overall I felt this program is great and for all that is included, a very good price as well. I will definitely be trying it later for my other children. So please take a look on your own and even talk with Mr. Nelson to get a feel for the program.
