HANDWRITING

Loops and Other Groups is a kinesthetic writing system.  This program is a systematic program designed to teach students cursive.   Students can clearly visualize and verbalize the movement and patterns of writing while experiencing the “feel” of the letter.  This program addresses the needs of all learners including students with fine motor difficulties.

Lower case letters are taught first and are introduced in clusters according to the movement patterns needed to form the letters.  There are four cluster groups:

• clock climbers: a, d, g, q, c
• kite strings: i, u, w, t j, p, r, s, o
• loop group: h, k, b, f, l, e
• hills and valleys: n, m, v, y, x, z   

These are consistently reinforced before uppercase letters are taught.

Upper case letters are also taught in clusters.  There are six cluster groups:

• slim 7: P, R, B, H, K
• umbrella tops and eggs: E, A, C, O, Q
• high hills and deep valleys: N, M, U, V, Y
• snake tops: T, F
• half hearts and left swingers: W, X, I, J
• fat bellies and zip: G, S, L, D, Z

Practice is important.  Students should not practice letters that have not been taught since the formation of the letter may be different than practiced.  Poor habits and incorrect letter formation are difficult to change once habits have been formed.