sassenach Posted February 2, 2008 Share Posted February 2, 2008 My 5yo is hating handwriting, and I'm considering switching gears. If I do HWT Kindergarten, what do I really need? Is it worth the price for the different slates and such? Also, does anyone know if they give discounts at the conventions? TIA Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FriedClams Posted February 2, 2008 Share Posted February 2, 2008 We had all the "stuff" (slate, wood pieces, etc.) but we never used them. We used the workbook and just discussed how they went together. I like the method of teaching and am using the cursive for my older kid now, too. I would skip the extras and order them later if you need them. Worst case you pay extra shipping (or you over order and have to return ship, LOL!). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Suzanne in ABQ Posted February 3, 2008 Share Posted February 3, 2008 I'd get the HTW Teacher's Manual, and the slate. The TM explains the philosophy and the methods. It also has a pattern to make the letter shapes. The letter shapes are helpful because they teach the order of the strokes. The slate is important for one of the best teaching methods I've come across: The Wet-Dry-Try method. This method is explained in the Teacher Manual, which also shows how to use the letter shapes. I wouldn't buy the wooden shapes. They're too expensive to use for such a short time, especially with only one child. Of course, you might find it worth it since you have little 3yo coming up behind. Don't get the Printing Teacher Guide because the information is redundant (it's already in the Teacher Manual). Don't get the magnadoodle thing. You probably already have one. You won't need the special mat. Any placemat will do. Just draw a happy face in the corner. HTH, Suzanne Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Diane Posted February 3, 2008 Share Posted February 3, 2008 We only used the workbook. Worked great for us. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Heather in OK Posted February 3, 2008 Share Posted February 3, 2008 I've never bought anything more than the student books. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EKS Posted February 3, 2008 Share Posted February 3, 2008 Seriously. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cathy in IL Posted February 3, 2008 Share Posted February 3, 2008 We only used the workbook and the chalkboard slate. Actually the chalkboard slate I used was a generic one from the dollar store. Worked just as well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mom0012 Posted February 3, 2008 Share Posted February 3, 2008 My kids really enjoyed the little chalkboard they recommend. We used their "wet, dry and try" method and it worked very well for learning the formation of the capital letters. Lisa Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Quiver0f10 Posted February 3, 2008 Share Posted February 3, 2008 I have always just used the student workbooks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Homeschooling Hannah Posted August 19, 2010 Share Posted August 19, 2010 We've also only used the student workbooks. Copy books from Memoria Press. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lightly Salted Posted August 19, 2010 Share Posted August 19, 2010 I'd get the HTW Teacher's Manual, and the slate. The TM explains the philosophy and the methods. It also has a pattern to make the letter shapes. The letter shapes are helpful because they teach the order of the strokes. The slate is important for one of the best teaching methods I've come across: The Wet-Dry-Try method. This method is explained in the Teacher Manual, which also shows how to use the letter shapes. I wouldn't buy the wooden shapes. They're too expensive to use for such a short time, especially with only one child. Of course, you might find it worth it since you have little 3yo coming up behind. Don't get the Printing Teacher Guide because the information is redundant (it's already in the Teacher Manual). Don't get the magnadoodle thing. You probably already have one. You won't need the special mat. Any placemat will do. Just draw a happy face in the corner. HTH, Suzanne Good stuff here. I got mine used, the whole set, which was nice. If I hadn't, though, I would have made a set of wooden letters/shapes, from craft foam sheets. There are guides in the Teacher Manual and it would have been tons cheaper (and softer when thrown :tongue_smilie: ) but the shapes were really handy around here in the beginning. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
momtoccm Posted August 19, 2010 Share Posted August 19, 2010 My teacher's guides never come off the shelf. We also used a dollar store chalkboard. I bought some of the stuff used years ago and the person had made the letter pieces from foam. My kids really like those. They work just fine and have held up well over the years. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
golfcartmama Posted August 19, 2010 Share Posted August 19, 2010 student workbook only here! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mrs.W Posted August 19, 2010 Share Posted August 19, 2010 It looks like I'm in the minority here, but my kids loved the Stamp and See Screen. You could just use a Magnadoodle, but it comes with block letters that have magnets on the back. So first you stamp the letter and then trace it. It held up really well for 2 kids and doesn't take up a lot of space. We also bought the chalk board with the double lines but never used it. My guess is that some kids do well with just the workbooks, but the ones who need extra help probably need the sensory component. I'm not saying it has to be the Stamp and See or that you need all of the products, but maybe something besides the workbook. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest homeschool dad Posted August 19, 2010 Share Posted August 19, 2010 I rarely looked at it. I never ordered the other things (slate, wood pieces, etc.). I think just the workbook is enough. Chris. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tiffijo1 Posted August 19, 2010 Share Posted August 19, 2010 I only bought the workbooks and we have been just fine! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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