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In every case, the remedy is to take action. Get clear about exactly what it is that you need to learn and exactly what you need to do to learn it.
– Miguel de Cervantes
When I first stumbled into homeschooling, my dear friend Amy introduced me to Handwriting Without Tears’ products and songs, something she had used for years working as an OT in local elementary schools. I’m forever grateful as it has provided a common thread for all of my children to share and has taught me how to teach my children handwriting. Naturally, I now want to pass on these tools we’ve loved so much to help other young homeschooling families on their own journeys. That said, I know the HWT website can be difficult to sort through. So instead of just referencing the sources, I’ve shown the real products we’ve used (and enjoyed) in our home the last five years with the appropriate links for the website. In our home, I store all of the non-jarred items in the top section of the photo in that clear plastic bin (from IKEA); this makes for quick access during our mornings and easy storage when we put it away. The bin also helps make the tools more portable to grab if we’re heading out-of-town or more likely — to the backyard.
{things to note}
+ I forgot to include the I Know my Numbers booklet Blythe is coloring in the first picture. This give kids extra work with writing and understanding numbers.
+ The HWT crayons and chalk bits are not necessary, as you could use alternative ones from a store. Their tiny size and the double-sided crayon is what makes those products unique.
+ They also make Touch & Flip alphabet cards (not pictured or linked because I already had sandpaper letters).
+ The teacher’s guide has changed since I purchased my own, so the picture in the link won’t match the image above.
+ If you can’t afford to buy everything at once, start with the wood pieces, laminated wood piece cards, chalkboard, Mat Man book, and the student book. I often make copies of the student book, so they can work on a letter more than one day.
+ Pay attention to the videos on the product pages. Each one will give you a sample lesson using that particular product — so helpful if you have no experience using this curriculum.
Good luck!
Comments
thank you thank you thank you! we’re just starting to get things ready to start homeschooling our oldest and this is immensely helpful!
A few questions! Do you use this only for Preschool or do you like to continue for Kindergarten etc? Also, I noticed the hands on materials all say for “Capital Letters.” Do you not introduce lower case until later? LOVE this post as I have gotten on their website SO many times and have been WAY too overwhelmed and confused each time! THANK YOU!!!!!
Love this curriculum! Used it when I homeschooled my daughter and now my boys use it in their preschool. Makes so much sense.
I completely agree. I love that it’s easy for a novice to learn, too! Right down my alley. ;)
Char’s first HWOT looks just like Olive’s! The squiggly lines on the name space and all! :) Love the glimpse of your day.
Oh yes. Lots of squiggles and random coloring. I had to start making copies so she could work through the same pages a few times (and save me a little cash). Thanks for the encouragement, Christi!
Blythe makes good hearts.
As you know, she’s a perfectionist and a self-proclaimed “hard-working girl.” (I have no idea where she gets it.)