Reports that a computer-based system employing a graphic display screen and a hand-held "pen" proved successful in improving the handwriting skills of three 13- and 14-year-old students who had not been able to sign their names satisfactorily. (GT)

The approach, which has also been used successfully with learning-disabled and emotionally disturbed children, provides a systematic method of instruction and stresses the use of sensory and verbal cues as aids in learning manuscript writing. (DLS)

Procedures for teaching handwriting skills to handicapped children include emphasizing the importance of handwriting, teaching the skill directly rather than relying on incidental learning, demonstrating the proper way to hold a pen or pencil, and surrounding students with models of good writing. (CL)

Indicators are that technological advances and state-mandated tests, in addition to other variables, are forcing cursive writing to become a casualty of the American educational landscape. It behooves us to examine the historical, practical, and essential aspects relative to cursive writing.

Three experiments investigated the scope of advance planning in written production. Experiment 1 manipulated phonological factors in single word written production, and Experiments 2 and 3 did the same in the production of adjective-noun utterances. In all three experiments, effects on latencies were found which mirrored those previously…

Our purpose was to see if THRASS (Teaching Handwriting, Reading and Spelling Skills) is a programme that should be taught to Foundation Phase (FP) and Intermediate/Senior Phases (ISP) pre-service teachers at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT). The term "literacy" is defined as an evolving, developing and complex concept,…

A new method of continuous stroke manuscript print called D'Nealian Manuscript is challenging the traditional circle-stick method of teaching children how to write. The circle-stick uses component or splinter parts to form whole letters. Children are forced to form all writing with verticle lines and to learn a manuscript print that goes nowhere.…

This study explores the possibilities of graphotherapy, which uses handwriting analysis and instruction to change or improve such character traits as self-concept. Three fourth-grade classes were involved, one as the experimental group and the other two as controls. A pretest ascertained self-concept, as well as physical handwriting changes that…

The importance of tidy, legible handwriting which effectively communicates ideas may be made evident to students through the use of purposeful, realistic writing situations. The writing of letters, diaries, poems, and invitations may provide a beneficial use of time and motivate students to improve their handwriting. The teacher can develop in…

A study of the accuracy of letter strokes made on wide- and normal-spaced paper by students during the transition to cursive writing confirms the advantages of wide-spaced paper. Both second- and third-grade students made more accurate strokes on wide-spaced paper. (Authors/PP)

A method which uses the braille cell to explain shapes and formations necessary in teaching handwriting to the congenitally blind is described. (Author/BD)

Described is the use of color coding pencils and fingers to teach preschool children fundamental writing skills. (CL)