Line Success

Double Lines and Other Lines

With so many lines and so many styles, children need paper that will prepare them for it all. HWT double lines quickly teach children how to place letters. Small letters fit in the middle space, tall letters go in the top space, descending letters go in the bottom space.

Students can apply the HWT philosophy to other styles of paper they use in school. Our workbooks also give them practice with different styles of lines.

As shown below, many children have trouble understanding multiple lines. Giving children a blue line, a dotted line, a red line, and another blue line and then asking them to start at “2 o’clock between the dotted line and the red line” is too confusing.

Questions, Answers, and Concerns

If a teacher uses a different style of paper in the classroom, will it confuse the child to use the HWT Double Line Paper?

First, consider whether the other style of paper is working for the child. If so, don’t change anything. If it's not working, the child needs a change. Basic handwriting habits may need correction. The double lines will guide the child to place letters correctly. The child can follow the cue “bump the lines,” learning that the lowercase letters bump the top line and the bottom line. Letter placement will be uniform and neat. The child doesn’t have to worry about a third or fourth line, which avoids confusion of starting and stopping points. Allow the child to use Double Line Paper until she masters letter placement. Then model transitioning onto other styles of paper.

How can a child transition to another style of paper?

Transitions are easier when a child understands the relationship between the size of capital versus lowercase letters. Explain that capital letters are tall and lowercase letters are small. Model how to place letters. Use the language for top, middle, and bottom spaces if they exist on the new style of paper.

Can a child transition to regular notebook paper after using HWT Double Line Paper?

Yes! If the child displays consistency in the size of capital and lowercase letters, he most likely can transition to notebook paper without difficulty. Model. Model. Model. Children need to be shown how to place their letters on other styles of lines. If there is no differentiation in letter size, continue with the double lines.