Did you know that there is a code on the front of your Handwriting without Tears teacher's guide? I wouldn't have known it if it weren't for the fabulous seminar I attended a few weeks ago given by Handwriting without Tears. Handwriting without Tears was birthed by the passion and expertise of one mother, Jan Olsen, who wanted to help her first grade son who was struggling with handwriting. Jan, an occupational therapist by profession, used her knowledge and love to devise a program that worked to solve her son's handwriting issues. Naturally, when the teachers saw the improvement in Jan's son, she was asked to help other children in the classroom. Now, fast forward to today, and we have the wonderful curriculum known as Handwriting without Tears.
I learned so much in their seminar, but one of the main things I took away with me, was to use the multi-sensory tools that they've provided. I hate to admit it, but I thought some of these tools were a waste of time or money. Who needs songs about handwriting....right? Well, my children need them. These multi-sensory materials are so beneficial for the early elementary years, and more importantly, any child that has a learning difference. I sat in the seminar for 8 hours learning why all these materials work, and I was not bored for even a minute. It was fabulous. If you use these multi-sensory tools from the beginning, remediation won't be necessary. The multi-sensory materials help to embed the information deeper in the brain, and if you have a child with dyslexia, you know that learning the "usual way", just doesn't cut it. So, if you are looking at Handwriting without Tears and wondering what to get, I encourage you to not forget the multi-sensory materials.
Now, back to the code. This code found on the inside front cover, enables you to log onto their website and print your own worksheets. I did skim through the teachers guide, but never noticed their blurb on the inside front cover titled A Click Away. Along with the worksheet maker, there are several other resources listed. Soon, I plan to use the Screener of Handwriting Proficiency. A clever little tool to help asses your child's handwriting proficiency and to determine if any remediation is necessary. Now go grab your teacher's guide and find your code.
