Peterson Directed Handwriting
About This Curriculum
A movement-based handwriting curriculum founded in 1908 that teaches students to form letters through rhythmic motion and verbal cues rather than traditional trace-and-copy methods.
What makes it unique: Unique movement-based strategy using rhythmic patterns and verbal cues to teach fluent handwriting through four basic strokes
Peterson Directed Handwriting: Movement-Based Letter Formation Program
Peterson Directed Handwriting is a century-old handwriting curriculum that teaches letter formation through rhythmic movements, verbal cues, and multi-sensory approaches rather than traditional tracing methods. The program progresses from air writing and gross motor movements to pencil-on-paper practice, emphasizing proper posture, pencil grip, and systematic stroke patterns across grades K-8.
Best for
Elementary teachers and homeschool parents seeking a research-based, systematic approach to handwriting instruction, particularly for students with handwriting difficulties or those beginning letter formation skills in grades K-4
Evaluation Criteria
3 strengths · 2 neutral · 4 insufficient evidence
Review Sources
Data sources: cathyduffy