The Classical
Cursive program from Veritas Press is a four-book handwriting program
designed for elementary students – Books 1 and 2 for second grade and Books 3
and 4 for third grade. It should be mentioned, however, that any student
wanting to learn cursive would benefit from this program. I personally like how
Books 1 and 2 introduce each letter with a dot-to-dot tracing method, followed
by a maze or hollow letters that students will use to stay in the lines while
forming letters. Books 3 and 4 assume the student knows how to form letters and
provide copywork of Children’s Poetry. There is not a lesson schedule provided
other than one book per semester or at your pace. Upper and lowercase,
step-by-step letter formation instructions are at the back of each of the 4
books. The books are spiral-bound.
Letter
formation – There is a sample page shared on level 1 and 2 to show the
formation that many inquire about.
Book
1 – Scripture for
Children introduces the lower-case alphabet (not in order but by formation
similarities) followed by the upper-case alphabet. While learning the uppercase
alphabet, lessons will end with writing whole words. The last 8 lessons are
scripture verses from the New King James Version. Includes 60 pages of
copywork.
Book
2 – Scripture for
Children reviews lower and uppercase letters, word formations. The last 15
lessons are scripture verses and quotes from The Nicene Creed, Pentecost
Prayer, Prayer of St. Francis, and Gloria Patri. Includes 73 pages of copywork.
Book
3 – Poetry for
Children is unlike Books 1 and 2 because there is no long letter formation
practice. That is assumed by Book 3 and now it transitions to copywork of
poetry. Students will be copying lines of poetry from titles such as The Purple
Cow; Who Has Seen the Wind?; The Swing; Bed in Summer; The Moon; The Lamb;
Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star; A Cradle Hymn; My Shadow; The Windmill; The Owl
and the Pussy-Cat; The Duel; Wynken, Blynken, and Nod; God’s World. Includes 87
pages of copywork
Book
4 – Poetry for
Children continues on what was learned in Books 1-3 and students will do more
copywork of poetry. They will be copying lines of poetry from titles such as
The Cow; A Child’s Prayer; The Land of Nod; Foreign Lands; The Wind; The Star;
The Cat of Cats; The Pobble Who Has No Toes; The Children’s Hour; The Spider
and the Fly; The Walrus and the Carpenter. Includes 89 pages of copywork.
~Amber
These icons are designed to help you quickly understand and learn important information about our products.
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.
