SCHOOL FOR THOUGHT

Getting it write from the start

The Winter 2009-2010 issue of the American Federation of Teachers has an excellent article on improving students’ writing (in both senses - penmanship and composition). Explaining how good early penmanship instruction leads to more and better compositions, the author (a professor of special education and literacy at Vanderbilt University) includes a quick and easy test which diagnoses students’ writing ability. The author also gives pointers on how to facilitate handwriting fluency, including a free online handwriting program.