Before her cursive writing days, Sydney had a hard time with confusing letters like "b" and "d". I was always correcting her confusion with those letters when she was writing in standard print form. Because cursive letters are more distinct, she doesn't get confused by them anymore and always writes them correctly. But more importantly than that, I am seeing good character qualities coming out of her daily penmanship practice. She has to slow down and write carefully, orderly, neatly and exactly, which takes focus, attention to detail, and patience. She is showing good character, that she cares to take the time to be an accurate writer. These are valuable lessons that can be applied in other areas of life.
I didn't know penmanship practice could be so profitable!
Everyday, Sydney's teacher checks the 4 P's of Penmanship. I put the the 4 P's on pencils like Mrs. Chappell displayed them on the board in class last year. I love these pencils! :)
PENCIL POSITION - Hold the pencil between the thumb and the pointer finger, letting it rest on the third finger. Grasp the pencil where the paint ends and the tapered part of the pencil begins, with the middle of the pencil resting between the top two knuckles of the pointer finger.
PAPER SLANT - The paper needs to be slanted because the cursive strokes are slanted. Right-handed students slant the paper to the left, left-handed students slant the paper to the right.
PACE - Work slowly and carefully, take the time to be an accurate writer.