TOS Homeschool Crew Review - Peterson Directed Handwriting

Peterson Directed Handwriting is a handwriting program like no other I have ever seen.  When exploring how this program works, it really challenged my perspective on how a child learns to write.  At first, I was not sure about the method.  But the more I learned about how our brains work and how the method maximizes on that so well, I was sold on the concept.  The greatest difference between Petersons Directed Handwriting and other programs is that there is no pencil tracing at all in this program.  The concept is that tracing only teaches a child to trace or draw the letters and does not encourage mastery of the motions needed to write the letters as efficiently.  This program uses a multi-sensory approach to teaching. 

The process of teaching your child to write a particular letter has 4 steps:

1. Illustrate and describe.
2. Air Writing
3. Finger Tracing
4. Write and Say

Step 1 is when you, as the parent, demonste and describe the strokes and verbalization to accompany the strokes.  Step 2 is practicing the strokes in the air using a finger,  elbow, or other body part.  This helps the child to add the motions used to create the letter into their gross muscle patterns or "Muscle Memory".  Step 3 is tracing the letters with a finger on their paper.  And, finally, step 4 is writing the letter on paper and saying the letter strokes aloud.

The products I was given to try out for this review are the PDF By Hand Print Step 1 and the PDF By Hand Print Step 2.  It is intended to be used with a Wacom Digital Tablet.  But I don't have one, so we printed it for use rather than using it on the computer.  If purchased for homeschooling using the "individual license", the cost of these products is $19.95 each.   These downloadable e-books are non-consumable, so you can use them with multiple children in your home or print off as many worksheet copies as necessary for your child to have adequate practice.  Each e-book also includes direct access to "Mr. Pencil" aka Rand Nelson, the programs creator.  He is available by phone, email, or online meeting to explain the program and answer any questions or concerns you may have.

PROS: The concept of no tracing and also the use of gross motor stills to master the letter strokes is really great.  The more I think about how we learn the more I believe in this approach.  think about things you do that come so naturally that you don't even have to think about it.  Like typing for example.  As I type this review, my fingers just KNOW where to go in order to express my thoughts in words.  It's party of my "Muscle Memory".   This concept definitely sets Petersons apart.

The customer service offered by Petersons is impeccable.  Rand Nelson is friendly and very helpful in explaining the program and answering your child specific questions and concerns.

The e-books are non-consumable, which makes is an affordable option for a family with multiple children.

E-books are an instant download so there is no wait to receive the product and get started using it.

CONS:  The website is not very elaborate or well laid out and it can make it difficult to find what you are looking for. 

I found the stroke verbiage to be kinda boring in comparison to other programs.  However, Rand Nelson has stated that what the child says is not so important as long as they understand what they are saying and that you are consistent with the verbiage you use.

CONCLUSION:  I will definitely be using this program and the teaching method with my children.  However, I will consider using alternative verbiage for the strokes.  The program is easily customizable and that is another aspect that I appreciate about PDh.  For example, my boys have loved practicing their letters in a cookie sheet with a thin layer of salt or flour in the bottom of the tray.  It brought a new and fun twist to finger tracing and letter practice.  This program is also affordable and re-usable which is a huge motivator for someone like me who homeschools on a tight budget.  I would definitely recommend this product.

To see what other crew members had to say about Peterson Directed Handwriting, click HERE.

Disclaimer: As part of the TOS Homeschool Crew, I was given with this item for free to test and use in order to write my honest review.