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Finding the right handwriting curriculum can transform a frustrating daily struggle into enjoyable skill building. After testing many programs with my own children and surveying hundreds of homeschool families, I’ve found the best handwriting curricula for different needs and learning styles. If you’re just beginning your homeschool journey, be sure to check out our guide on how to start homeschooling for a complete overview.
Quick Recommendations
Best Overall: Handwriting Without Tears – Developmentally appropriate with multi-sensory approach
Best for Struggling Writers: Logic of English Rhythm of Handwriting – Cursive-first with thorough instruction
Best Budget Option: A Reason for Handwriting – Quality instruction at a low price point
Best Italic Style: Getty-Dubay Italic – Smooth transition from print to cursive
Top Handwriting Curricula Compared
| Program | Style | Best For | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Handwriting Without Tears | Print & Cursive | Most families | $$ |
| Logic of English | Cursive-first | Struggling writers | $$$ |
| Getty-Dubay Italic | Italic | Neat writers | $ |
| A Reason for Handwriting | Traditional | Budget-minded | $ |
| Zaner-Bloser | Traditional | Transitioning from school | $$ |
| New American Cursive | Simplified cursive | Cursive-first families | $ |
1. Handwriting Without Tears
Best for: Most homeschool families, especially those new to teaching handwriting
Handwriting Without Tears (HWT) is the most widely used handwriting curriculum in American schools. And for good reason. An occupational therapist developed it around how children actually learn to write. In my experience using HWT with my own kids for over three years, I’ve seen dramatic improvements in their letter formation and writing confidence.
What Makes It Effective
HWT uses a developmental approach that starts with correct posture, grip, and letter formation before tackling the letters themselves. The program progresses logically. It introduces easier letters first (those formed with straight lines) before moving to curved letters.
The multi-sensory components include:
- Wood pieces for building capital letters
- Slate chalkboards for practicing letter formation
- “Wet-Dry-Try” activities using chalkboards
- Workbooks with appropriately sized lines
- Teaching songs for letter formation
Program Structure
Handwriting Without Tears offers workbooks from Pre-K through fifth grade:
- Pre-K: Readiness activities and pre-writing strokes
- Kindergarten: Capital letters only
- 1st Grade: Lowercase print letters
- 2nd Grade: Review and refinement
- 3rd-5th Grade: Cursive instruction
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Developmentally appropriate progression
- Multi-sensory materials engage different learners
- Clear, consistent letter formation
- Teacher’s guide is thorough but manageable
- Works well for children with fine motor challenges
Cons:
- Manipulatives add to cost
- Letters differ slightly from some reading programs
- May progress too slowly for advanced writers
Who Should Choose HWT
Handwriting Without Tears is ideal for families wanting a complete, research-based program that works for most children. It’s especially good for children who struggle with fine motor skills or who need multi-sensory instruction.
2. Logic of English Rhythm of Handwriting
Best for: Struggling writers, families preferring cursive-first approach
The Rhythm of Handwriting program from Logic of English takes a cursive-first approach, arguing that cursive is actually easier for many children to learn.
What Makes It Effective
This program teaches letter formation through rhythm and physical movement. Students learn the “Rhythm of Handwriting” song. It cues proper stroke sequence for every letter. The consistent rhythm helps develop automaticity.
Key features include:
- Cursive-first methodology
- Musical rhythm for letter formation
- Integration with Logic of English phonics
- Detailed instruction for each letter
- Whiteboard practice before paper
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Eliminates b/d reversals common with print
- Rhythm creates muscle memory efficiently
- Thorough teacher instruction included
- Integrates seamlessly with LOE phonics
- Excellent for dyslexic learners
Cons:
- Higher price point
- Requires teacher preparation time
- Cursive-first may concern some parents
- May not match school expectations
Who Should Choose Rhythm of Handwriting
This program shines for children who struggle with print handwriting, frequently reverse letters, or have dyslexia. Families already using Logic of English for phonics will appreciate the seamless integration. You can learn more in our detailed All About Reading Review which covers the LOE approach to reading and writing.
3. Getty-Dubay Italic Handwriting
Best for: Families wanting elegant, efficient handwriting
Getty-Dubay teaches italic handwriting. In this style, print letters are formed with the same basic strokes as cursive. This makes the eventual transition nearly effortless.
What Makes It Effective
Italic handwriting eliminates the dramatic transition between print and cursive. The basic italic alphabet teaches letter shapes that simply add joins to become cursive. This approach produces legible handwriting quickly.
Program Structure
The Getty-Dubay series includes:
- Book A: Basic italic lowercase
- Book B: Capitals and review
- Book C: Cursive italic introduction
- Book D: Cursive refinement
- Book E, F, G: Advanced practice and speed development
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Efficient—no dramatic transition to cursive
- Produces elegant, legible handwriting
- Affordable workbooks
- Minimal teacher preparation
- Works well for older beginners
Cons:
- Different from traditional school handwriting
- Less multi-sensory instruction
- Some children prefer traditional letter forms
- May require adjustment if transitioning to school
Who Should Choose Getty-Dubay
Getty-Dubay works well for families who value efficiency and elegance. It’s especially good for older beginners who may feel “babyish” using programs designed for younger children. We switched my older daughter to Getty-Dubay in 4th grade. Within six months her handwriting went from barely legible to beautifully flowing italic script.
4. A Reason for Handwriting
Best for: Budget-conscious families, Christian homeschoolers
A Reason for Handwriting provides solid instruction at an affordable price, using Scripture verses for copywork practice.
What Makes It Effective
Each lesson has students practice letter formation. Then they apply that practice to copying Bible verses. This gives handwriting purpose beyond skill building. Students memorize Scripture while developing penmanship.
Program Structure
The series includes:
- Level A: Manuscript introduction
- Level B: Manuscript review and refinement
- Level C: Cursive transition
- Level D: Cursive practice
- Levels E-F: Advanced cursive and style development
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Very affordable
- Meaningful practice through Scripture
- Clear letter models
- Minimal teacher preparation
- Works independently for older students
Cons:
- Less multi-sensory than some programs
- Scripture focus won’t suit all families
- Less support for struggling writers
- Traditional approach may seem dated
Who Should Choose A Reason for Handwriting
This program is ideal for Christian families on a budget who want solid, no-frills handwriting instruction with Scripture integration.
5. Zaner-Bloser Handwriting
Best for: Families transitioning from or to public school
Zaner-Bloser is the traditional handwriting program used in many public schools. If your child may enter or leave traditional school, this consistency can be valuable.
What Makes It Effective
Zaner-Bloser teaches the standard letter formations most schools use. Their continuous-stroke approach for manuscript letters creates good habits that transfer to cursive.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Matches what schools teach
- Traditional, widely recognized letter forms
- Comprehensive teacher materials available
- Clear progression from print to cursive
Cons:
- Less engaging than some alternatives
- Traditional workbook approach
- Less support for struggling writers
- May feel “schoolish” to unschoolers
6. New American Cursive
Best for: Families wanting simplified cursive instruction
New American Cursive teaches a simplified cursive style with fewer loops and flourishes. This makes it easier to learn while remaining elegant.
What Makes It Effective
By simplifying traditional cursive (removing unnecessary loops and curls), New American Cursive reduces the learning curve. Letters are easier to form while keeping a connected, flowing style.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Simplified cursive is easier to learn
- Clean, modern appearance
- Affordable
- Good for cursive-first approach
- Works well for older beginners
Cons:
- Different from traditional cursive some expect
- Less comprehensive instruction
- Minimal multi-sensory support
Choosing the Right Program
Consider Your Child’s Needs
- Struggling with fine motor skills? Choose HWT or Logic of English
- Reversing letters frequently? Consider cursive-first (LOE, New American Cursive)
- Advanced fine motor skills? Getty-Dubay offers elegant efficiency
- Transitioning to/from school? Zaner-Bloser maintains consistency
- On a tight budget? A Reason for Handwriting delivers quality affordably
Consider Your Teaching Style
- Want comprehensive guidance? HWT and LOE include thorough teacher support
- Prefer hands-off? Getty-Dubay and A Reason for work more independently
- Love multi-sensory? HWT manipulatives and LOE rhythm engage multiple senses
Supplementary Resources
Whatever curriculum you choose, these resources can enhance instruction:
Fine Motor Development
- Theraputty or playdough for hand strengthening
- Lacing cards for fine motor coordination
- Tweezers and small object activities
Paper Options
- Raised-line paper for tactile feedback
- Graph paper for spacing practice
- Highlighted paper for visual cues
Writing Tools
- Pencil grips for proper positioning
- Triangular pencils for natural grip
- Erasable gel pens for cursive motivation
Frequently Asked Questions
What age should handwriting instruction begin?
Most children are ready for formal handwriting instruction between ages 5-6, when fine motor skills are sufficiently developed. According to the National Association for the Education of Young Children, pre-writing activities like coloring, cutting, and playing with manipulatives help strengthen hand muscles before formal instruction begins.
How much time should we spend on handwriting each day?
Quality matters more than quantity. For young children, 10-15 minutes of focused practice is sufficient. Older children working on cursive may benefit from 15-20 minutes. Stop before frustration sets in—forced practice creates negative associations.
My child’s handwriting is illegible despite practice. What should I do?
First, evaluate whether the curriculum matches your child’s needs—some children need more multi-sensory support or a different style. If problems persist despite appropriate instruction, consider evaluation for dysgraphia. Occupational therapy can help children with significant handwriting challenges.
Is cursive really necessary anymore?
While keyboarding is increasingly important, cursive remains valuable for signing documents, reading historical texts, and personal note-taking. Research from literacy experts at the International Literacy Association suggests cognitive benefits from cursive writing, including improved reading comprehension and fine motor development. After teaching both my children cursive, I’ve noticed they retain information better when writing by hand.
Can I switch handwriting curricula mid-year?
Yes, if a program isn’t working, it’s better to switch than to continue with something ineffective. Look for a program that addresses the specific struggles you’re experiencing. Some adjustment period is normal when changing programs.
Final Recommendations
For most homeschool families, Handwriting Without Tears provides the best combination of developmental appropriateness, multi-sensory instruction, and ease of use. It’s our top overall recommendation. Pairing it with a strong language arts program is essential – see our best homeschool language arts curriculum guide for comprehensive recommendations.
For struggling writers or families interested in cursive-first instruction, Logic of English Rhythm of Handwriting offers excellent support despite the higher price point.
Budget-conscious families will find A Reason for Handwriting delivers solid results at a fraction of the cost of premium programs.
Whichever program you choose, consistency matters most. Short, regular practice sessions with proper instruction will develop the handwriting skills your child needs for academic success and lifelong communication. For additional guidance on teaching writing, explore our article comparing cursive vs print handwriting to help you decide which approach is right for your family.
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