Ask Jan Archives
Jan Olsen, OTR, is the founder of Handwriting Without Tears®. She has answers to many of your questions, and you can find valuable information in the Q&As here.
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You’re the expert and we’d like to hear from you! We would like to turn the tables and have you tell us what works for you and how you have been using the HWT program in your classroom.
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You’re the expert and we’d like to hear from you! We would like to turn the tables and have you tell us what works for you and how you have been using the HWT program in your classroom.
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When working with preschool children with developmental delays who don't necessarily have certain foundation skills (e.g. language, vocabulary, prepositions, positions in space), do you recommend waiting until they have these skills to use the HWT program?
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How do you accommodate a math curriculum that expects kindergartners to write numbers from the beginning, with very little time for instruction? 2 is really throwing these poor kids, most of whom had no structured writing instruction in preschool or have had no preschool whatsoever! I can move around reading/language, but math is a bit trickier.
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How do I ensure success in all writing activities, not just during handwriting time?The HWT workbooks and lessons are friendly and accessible to engage children in active learning. Most children will continue writing with good habits during all writing activities, but some children may need a little extra help. Here are some tips:
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What are the benefits of handwriting camp compared to individual tutoring? Wouldn't a child do better with one-on-one instruction?
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Do I have to teach handwriting only on double lines? What if we have to use other styles of lined paper for other coursework?
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How should I handle name writing at the beginning of kin
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Why the emphasis on top-to-bottom letter formation? It seems like many students in preschool and kindergarten start their letters from the bottom. I had a teacher ask me, "Why do I need to teach top-to-bottom? Isn't legibility the only thing that's important?"
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How do I ensure success in all writing activities, not just during handwriting time?
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I have 27 kindergarten students (with no aide) who range in ability from never having held a pencil to already printing their names, but with poor grips and incorrect letter formation. Where do I start, and how do I deal with all the different levels of instruction needed in the allotted time?
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Why do you teach a vertical style of cursive? Doesn’t that interfere with a child’s development of individual handwriting style?
