Since returning from break, The Diamonds have been hard at work beginning the Handwriting Without Tears (HWT) curriculum. HWT is an early handwriting program designed to help children develop the foundational skills of writing and letter formation. This curriculum introduces key vocabulary—Big Line, Little Line, Big Curve, Little Curve—which make up all uppercase letters in the alphabet (and numbers)! We use this language to guide students as they write letters and even in the drawings and creations they make.
Translucent Shape Play
Before introducing the wooden pieces and HWT language, we introduced translucent shapes of all different colors and sizes to see what the children would make out of them. Children made ice cream cones, bunny ears, symmetrical shapes, patterns, and more. Some kids even worked together to make letters and form their own names out of these shapes, which transitioned smoothly into our HWT curriculum.
Big Line, Little Line, Big Curve, Small Curve: Wooden Pieces
The use of wooden pieces is essential in understanding how different letters are formed. In one activity, students match the correct wooden pieces to each part of a letter on a card. Some students chose letters that held a special meaning, such as those in their names or a family member’s name. Others experimented with unfamiliar letters, eagerly asking, “Which letter did I make?”
Stamp and Erase
The stamp-and-erase boards are another tool that helps reinforce letter formation. This smaller format allows students to visualize the shapes of the lines they use. After selecting a letter to replicate, students explored how the different pieces fit together. They also experimented with the yellow tool, using it to make their own marks and images.
Mat Man
Finally, after becoming familiar with the pieces and the vocabulary of lines and curves, it was time to meet Mat Man! Mat Man is a character made primarily of Big Lines, Little Lines, Big Curves, and Little Curves. Not only is Mat Man fun to create using these foundational pieces and through a song, but this also teaches children body awareness. With support from the teacher, each student created their first Mat Man portrait, giving them the opportunity to practice drawing the different lines and curves. These portraits will be shared separately.
We look forward to introducing more HWT activities in the upcoming weeks and be on the lookout for your child’s Mat Man portrait soon!
