Review: Peterson Directed Handwriting

I was asked to review Peterson Directed Handwriting as being part of the TOS Homeschool Crew.  With the Peterson System, you teach the child to write using "movements", such as slant, roll slant to make a lower case H, or slant, slide lift, slant to make the number 4.  Peterson makes sure to explain the correct grip for the pencil as well as the proper placement of the paper they will be writing on.  There are four steps you will use to teach the Peterson Method...

1.  Illustrate and Describe
2.  Air writing
3.  Finger-Tracing
4.  Write and Say

All of the steps combined make for proper writing technique.  Peterson Directed Handwriting has a website with a vast amount of information.  There are many video presentations in their Information Directory to provide support for you.  You can also contact Rand at any time if you feel you are struggling with the program.

My Thoughts

I have always used a different program to teach my children handwriting, so I was eager to see if this would be something we would consider changing to.  At first it was quite hard for Brynn and Parker to make the changes needed to implement this program.  As time went on, it became a bit easier for them to master.  I don't think they have really fully grasped the concept yet,  but they are not fighting with me about the different technique.  Parker is more of a tactile learner, so this has been a nice change of pace for him.  Brynn prefers to sit and do her worksheet and move on.  This has caused a bit of frustration for her as she needs to practice all four steps before mastering the letters.  All in all, I think this is a wonderfully, thorough program that will fit many different types of learners.  Those who are struggling with grip, neatness or even those who need a little more than just a worksheet based program will benefit from this one.  Also, this is a fantastic program if you are just starting out and haven't chosen a particular curriculum for handwriting yet.  As for us, we will probably stick with what we are used to, but I wouldn't hesitate to recommend this to anyone just starting out.  With the amazing level of customer service as well as detailed instructions on the web, you really can't go wrong with this product.

To Buy

To purchase Peterson Directed Handwriting click here.  The products I reviewed were printing for grades K and First.  The cost of the PDF files is $19.95, however there are many different combination's to choose from with different price points and discounts.  Let me know if you try it and what you think!  Be sure to check out other reviews of this product here.

 I was asked to do a review on this product for being a part of  The Old Schoolhouse Crew.  I did receive this product free of charge to try, but am not being compensated in any other way. The opinions expressed here are strictly my own.