In 3K we begin using Handwriting Without Tears (HWOT), a piece of All Saints' 3K/4K larger literacy curriculum, that focuses on handwriting readiness and pre-writing skills.

The lessons are developed through a multisensory approach which prepares children to write. The children play, build, sing, and color while learning the alphabet, letter and number recognition and formation, counting, shapes, colors, and drawing. 

3K begins with “Mat Man”- Mat Man teaches the children about the wooden pieces used- big line, little line, big curve, little curve- and they learn to make Mat Man and all about shapes! Then they learn that the big line and little line make the letter "L". Students practice each letter through many activities including, crayons, chalk, chalk board, sponges, roll-a dough, and My First School Book. Roll-a-dough letters help children develop correct formation, spacing, sequencing, and other writing skills.

Handwriting Without Tears lessons begin with teaching with capital letters and then lower case letters are introduced. Developmentally, capitals are easier so they are taught first. The capital teaching order helps teach correct formation and orientation while reducing/eliminating reversals. Learning capitals first makes it easier to transition to lowercase letters and builds confidence in our youngest learners. 

Handwriting Without Tears continues in 4K with the Kick Start Kindergarten book, teaching and reviewing capitals and lowercase letter formations and providing fine motor skill building.