Handwriting- stopping it?

[6wishes]

When do kids stop a "formal" handwriting program? When is it stopped in schools? Thanks!

[MinivanMom]

I only use a program as my children are first learning to form their letters. After that they practice their handwriting through copywork. I know there are some private schools that use a handwriting program every single year, but many schools never use a formal handwriting program. In our area the public schools only use a formal program in kindergarten (for manuscript instruction) and in 3rd grade (for cursive instruction).

[Mom2TheTeam]

I did the same as above for my oldest who is finishing 1st, nothing formal this year other than copywork...but...I'm thinking of adding one again because he is developing some odd ways of forming letters. They look fine, but he isn't doing it in a way I would like. For example, he makes the horizontal cross of the "t" first...I certainly did not teach him that way. :glare: I sit with him to correct as much as I can, but he has 5 younger siblings. So, I am thinking of adding some handwriting back in.

[pitterpatter]

Does it really matter? This is what I struggle with. When are children free to choose how they want to write (as long as it's neat and efficient)? I certainly don't write the same way I taught my DD. When I do, it is so slow. I remember changing my handwriting script in fourth grade because I liked the fat, bubbly letters a few other girls used. I no longer write like that either.

 

Continued handwriting curriculum seems like torture. Plus, we really don't have time. We do copywork when I can fit it in (on light days when there is little-to-no handwriting required in other subjects).

 

Sorry, OP, I don't really have an answer. I'm babbling because I wonder too. We used handwriting curriculum for the first level-and-a-half (both during kindergarten). Now, we do the above.

 

 

I did the same as above for my oldest who is finishing 1st, nothing formal this year other than copywork...but...I'm thinking of adding one again because he is developing some odd ways of forming letters. They look fine, but he isn't doing it in a way I would like. For example, he makes the horizontal cross of the "t" first...I certainly did not teach him that way. :glare: I sit with him to correct as much as I can, but he has 5 younger siblings. So, I am thinking of adding some handwriting back in.

[Tmhearn]

I used HWOT for K-3. (We managed to finish the 4th grade cursive book by that point.) I won't use a program beginning with 4th grade. I think it's ok to stop once your child has the ability to write legibly on a consistent basis.

[PachiSusan]

Our curriculum uses it through 7th grade as basically copy work to write smaller and neater over time. Melissa hasn't figured out the second yet! LOL

[CraftyHomeschool]

I tend to have the philosophy that once a child is forming their letters legibly then move from handwriting to copy work. My oldest started copy work this yr (in 4th grade). I would tend to base it on the child when to fully quit the copy work, maybe middle school.