MANHATTAN, NYC HANDWRITING TUTORS

Craig Selinger

Why is teaching handwriting important?

Cursive Handwriting Worksheets

• Cursive Alphabet
• Cursive Letters
• Cursive Letter Joins
• Cursive Words
• Cursive Sentences
• Cursive Passages

What Are the Benefits of Learning Cursive Writing?

First-grade students were typically taught manuscript or print writing in the past, while cursive writing was commonly introduced in the third grade. It was often argued that cursive writing is superior to print, especially for children with difficulties such as dyslexia and dysgraphia. It results in fewer letter reversals and better spelling because words are visualized as one unit as opposed to being separated by different strokes.

On the other hand, experts have also pointed out the importance of having children focus on the writing form used in their reading materials, which is print. But whether or not one form is easier to learn than the other, what is more, important is that students become adept at using one way of writing to produce clear and legible writing with minimal or reasonable effort. Hence, instruction should focus on the form that is most likely to produce this result, particularly for older children who struggle with handwriting.

As far as cursive writing is concerned, instructors often stress its importance because of its many advantages over overprint. It is a more natural way of writing; cursive writing is not often interrupted by stops or by lifting the pencil.

Other advantages of writing in cursive include the following:

• Enhances neural connections – Cursive writing engages the brain’s right and left hemispheres.
• Improves reading ability – Children who can read and write in cursive can also read print or manuscript, but the reverse is not true.
• Better fine motor abilities – Cursive writing helps the student practice fine motor skills as he or she learns to produce smooth strokes.

How Can Manhattan Letters Help?

The handwriting tutors and penmanship tutors we work with specialize in individualized handwriting tutoring for elementary school students. Handwriting instruction is tailored to meet your child’s needs and addresses key areas that need extra reinforcement. Handwriting tutors we work with utilize the Handwriting Without Tears® curriculum, which uses multisensory strategies to teach handwriting to students in Pre-K onwards.

Manhattan Letters’ highly qualified handwriting tutors and penmanship tutors are experts in their respective fields and have completed comprehensive training and certifications. Professional handwriting tutors we work with can help your child with the following:

• Correcting letter and number reversals
• Proper pencil grip
• Manuscript/print control
• Letter and number size
• Letter and number formation
• Writing posture
• Letter and word spacing
• Cursive and manuscript writing
• Correcting letter and number reversals
• Proper pencil grip
• Manuscript/print control
• Letter and number size
• Letter and number formation
• Writing posture
• Letter and word spacing
• Cursive and manuscript writing
• A review of school-based written work
• Interview with the child and parent(s)
• Observation of near-point and far-point copying
• The WOLD handwriting assessment is timed. This assesses for accuracy, legibility, spacing, and how the child is positioned as they write (nuanced behaviors that demonstrate difficulties, which may make writing more challenging).
• The Berry VMI, the long form, and the short forms. This helps identify possible visual integration and motor and perceptual deficits that may contribute to handwriting difficulties.
• Download this app 123 ABCs Kids Handwriting-HWTP. Finger Tracing™ Flashcards are an excellent tool for improving the proper writing method. This game helps teach the Handwriting Without Tears style of handwriting used in schools worldwide and works great with the publisher-approved books.

All findings will be summarized in a report with goals and recommendations for continued support.

$250

What Will Students Learn?

1. Preschool

Letter and number recognition, correct pencil grip, pre-writing strokes, distinguishing between left and right, sketching.

2.   Grades K-2

Letter recognition and usage, letter and number formation, word spacing, pencil grip, writing on a page.

3.   Grades 3+

Letter formation, size, and placement; cursive letters and connections; distance between phrases and words; pencil grip and handling.

Some studies show that children who learn to write by hand also learn to read faster and tend to be more creative. Hence, the earlier children receive handwriting instruction, the more likely they’re going to excel in all subject areas at school. Handwriting tutors we work with use fun, engaging, and progressive techniques in teaching young students to write by hand. Whether you prefer in-person or online tutoring, one-on-one handwriting tutors and penmanship tutors we work with and literacy specialists can help your child develop and master their handwriting skills.

FAQ

What does a handwriting tutor do?

A handwriting tutor helps children improve letter formation, spacing, writing fluency, pencil control, and written work habits.

Do you provide in-home handwriting tutoring in Manhattan?

Yes. We provide in-home handwriting support across Manhattan, with remote options available when appropriate.

When should families start handwriting support?

Families often start when children avoid writing, tire quickly, write illegibly, or are not progressing as expected.

Can handwriting tutoring support advanced learners?

Yes. Handwriting support can help advanced learners improve writing speed, organization, fluency, and presentation.