HMH Handwriting Ball and Stick Student Edition Kindergarten: Starter Level

SKU
023354
ISBN
9780547882420
Grade K
Traditional
Neutral
Low Teacher Involvement
Visual
Teaching Method
Traditional
Teacher-centered curriculum commonly used in classrooms that may include a text, teacher manual, tests, etc.
Charlotte Mason
A methodology based on the work of a 19th century educator who maintained that children learn best from literature (Living Books), not textbooks.
Classical
A methodology based on the Latin Trivium (three stages of learning), including the grammar stage (memorization and facts), logic stage (critical thinking), and rhetoric stage (developing/defending ideas).
Unit Study
A thematic or topical approach centered around one topic that integrates multiple subject areas.
Montessori (Discovery)
A methodology based on the work of a 20th century educator that emphasizes student and sensory-driven discovery learning and real-life applications.
Other
Other methodologies
Religious Content
Secular
Contains content contrary to common Christian beliefs (i.e. evolution).
Neutral
Avoids religious or theoretical topics or presents multiple viewpoints without preference.
Christian/Religious
Faith-based or including instructional religious content.
Learning Modality
Auditory
Learns through listening, talking out loud or reading out loud.
Visual
Learns through seeing, prefers written instructions and visual materials.
Kinesthetic/Tactile (Hands-On)
Learns through moving, doing and touching.
Multi-Sensory
Curriculum that employ a variety of activities/components.
Presentation
Sequential
Curriculum progresses through well-defined learning objectives. Emphasizes mastery before moving to the next topic.
Spiral
Topics and concepts are repeated from level to level, adding more depth at each pass and connecting with review.
Conceptual/Topical
Focus is on the “why,” often with a unifying concept as well as specific skills; coverage may be broader.
Teacher Involvement
Low Teacher Involvement
Student-led materials; parent acts as a facilitator.
Medium Teacher Involvement
A mix of teacher-led time and independent student work.
High Teacher Involvement
Teacher-led lessons; may utilize discussions, hands-on activities and working together.
Additional Materials Required
No other materials needed
Everything you need is included.
Other Materials Required
There are additional required resources that are a separate purchase.
Other Materials Optional
There are additional resources mentioned or recommended but are not absolutely necessary.
Consumable
Consumable
Designed to be written in; not reusable.
Non-Consumable
Not designed to be written in; reusable.
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Description
Beginning with Kindergarten (the Starter Level) teaches strokes - top/bottom, over/under/through, left to right, curved and line strokes. Workbook pages teach letter recognition, numbers 0-10, number words in English and Spanish, the question mark and period, and letters by stroke groups. The book is divided into groups of lessons and there is review and evaluation at the end of each group. There are 94 horizontal pages, lessons are only one page each, and children begin writing words and phrases at the lesson 25 evaluation. Students practice writing short sentences beginning with lesson 46. 71 lesson, 94 pgs.

These materials are graded specifically and include both instruction and practice.


Category Description for Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Handwriting

Most educators agree that handwriting is still foundational to many subjects, even with the advent of the computer. The HMH handwriting series is a versatile program, providing two approaches identical in structure and progression (down to the exact page), with regular practice and evaluation (every 6-8 lessons). For the first three levels, you can select from one of two options. A Ball & Stick method follows a more traditional approach, teaching handwriting by its individual parts. A second option, the continuous stroke method (modern style) uses a manuscript where letters have curved strokes at the end of each letter. This approach can often provide a smoother transition to cursive.

Beginning with Kindergarten (the Starter Level) teaches strokes – top/bottom, over/under/through, left to right, curved and line strokes. Workbook pages teach letter recognition, numbers 0-10, number words in English and Spanish, the question mark and period, and letters by stroke groups. The book is divided into groups of lessons and there is review and evaluation at the end of each group. There are 94 horizontal pages, lessons are only one page each, and children begin writing words and phrases at the lesson 25 evaluation. Students practice writing short sentences beginning with lesson 46. Includes 71 lessons and 94 pgs.

Level A begins with review of both lower- and upper-case letters, strokes, spacing, and smoothness. Lessons 15-19 review numbers, just the digits - not the words. Lesson 20 and forward practice handwriting with letter formation, words, phrases, and sentences. Includes 82 lessons and 94 pgs.

Cursive letters are introduced in lesson 37 of Level B. Children begin by matching and comparing manuscript and cursive letters and words; cursive connector strokes in lessons 43-45; begin writing letters in cursive in lesson 48; practice cursive words in lesson 50; phrases begin with lesson 60; and complete sentences in lesson 74. Includes 102 lessons with additional practice. 126 total pgs.

Level C starts with a review of manuscript and cursive letters, matching and transposing from one to the other, undercurve, overcurve, and cross-stroke connections. Starting in lesson 14, lessons will alternate between lowercase and uppercase practice. Instructions on how to form the letter will follow with lines to practice and perfect it. The bottom of each page will include exercises of copywork with words and sentences provided. There are a total of 79 lessons and 9 evaluation pages. In a school year, a suggested schedule could be to practice penmanship every other lesson or three times a week.

 

Level D helps students transition to writing properly on notebook paper. Further practice of connecting tricky letters is reviewed. Copywork of sentences and paragraphs will reinforce what has been learned. Starting on lesson 30, students will practice with proofreading, writing letters, addressing envelopes, book reports, thank you notes, and more. There are a total of 76 lessons and 9 evaluation pages. In a school year, a suggested schedule could be to practice penmanship every other lesson or three times a week.

 

The Starter, A and B levels in either option use a horizontal orientation, while levels C and D are vertical (94 pgs.). No teacher editions are necessary; all instruction is included in the student material.

Details
More Information
Product Format:Paperback
Brand:Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
Grade:K
ISBN:9780547882420
Length in Inches:8.25
Width in Inches:10.75
Height in Inches:0.25
Weight in Pounds:0.35
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