Italic Handwriting Book F Grade 5

We started with Reason for Writing, but traditional cursive was very frustrating for all three of my kids. By the time we got to book F, all three were writing, if not beautifully, at least legibly and smoothly. After the series, one went on to master calligraphy, and another decided to teach himself traditional cursive and Spencerian penmanship, simply because they were interested in the way the italic script looked, and in the upper levels the student is encouraged to personalize his or her own hand. So this program turned out to be a good stepping stone to self-directed learning.

Sticks and balls belong on the playground, in my mind. Writing should flow, if you have to wield a pen or pencil. That's what this series offers. My children's penmanship improved while they did this program. Even my all-boy boy can write legibly when he puts his mind to it after using the Getty-Dubay books. They do offer some ideas for practicing in real life, but I would have liked more practice in the books themselves. I guess I'm just lazy that way.

We have used Italic Handwriting for years (17 and counting) on Timberdoodle's initial recommendation. People have always commented on how neat our children's handwriting is. It is very legible and moves into calligraphy easily with a chiseled marker. My older children complained a little that their friends and relatives were writing a different way so, after they were proficient at italic cursive, we went over conventional cursive and I told them they were free to adjust their handwriting if they liked. I have liked the results of Italic Handwriting and we are continuing to use it with the rest of our 11 children. A benefit to teaching it is that I have improved at calligraphy myself.

My oldest son was resistant to learning cursive. Someone suggested letting him try calligraphy. It made me remember the information I had read about Italic Handwriting in the Timberdoodle catalog. We switched over to italic manuscript and then the transition to italic script was painless. My son LOVED it and his handwriting improved greatly. I also find using the program helpful for my other son who is dyslexic. He can work very independently and the lessons are short.

I have been using this handwriting program for almost 20 years. I have used it with eight children (so far!) and I have been very pleased with the results. The children have been able to use the books without difficulty (or tears, a big plus). Some of my children have really made the effort to duplicate the beautiful handwriting in the books and have even been inspired to try the calligraphic hand taught in book G. Some of my children have not been as eager to emphasize their handwriting to that degree. However, even those who took the "only what is required" attitude, have fine, legible handwriting.