Teacher-Tested Tips:

Dirt, Grass and Sky
Submitted by: donnaGEM, http://www.austeachers.net
On the board draw three lines for writing on - the bottom line brown (the dirt), the middle line green (grass) and the top line blue (sky). Then when demonstrating how to draw a letter you can refer to the lines the letters touch and it keeps their attention easier than boring normal lines. This is just one of a numb... more »»
Grade Level(s): K, 1-2

Good Letter, Bad Letter
Submitted by: Liz Borgwardt
When I teach handwriting, I play "Good Letter A, Bad Letter A". (Using "A" as an example) I write examples one by one of the letter A. Some of the examples are written incorrectly or sloppily, and some examples are correct and neat. The kids watch the letter (and watch how I write it, because I like to trick them!) a... more »»
Grade Level(s): K

Handwriting Tricks for Beginning Writers
Submitted by: Amanda Post, A to Z Teacher Stuff Owner, Originally posted at the Discussion Forums
We switched from D'Nealian to basic manuscript this year also because the slanted letters and tails were confusing for struggling kids. We use a specific language to describe the handwriting strokes... more »»
Grade Level(s): K, 1-2

Upper case and lower case
Submitted by: A. Lane
Chinese children often practise learning to write using a caligraphy brush, water and a specially treated gray mat that allows the brush strokes to appear on. While it is wet, the children can see how their brush strokes look. Some of these mats can be bought in any stationary store in a city where there is a China town. It is so fascinating for children to use a brush, water or even a finger tip dipped in water. To teach the upper and lower case ... more »»
Grade Level(s): K, 1-2