How To
Videos
Learn Cursive Step-By-Step Lesson # 1
This is the first in a series of short videos designed to introduce cursive forms and demonstrate how to practice the movements using the Peterson movement-based approach. The video shows the 4 Peterson Basic Strokes and how they relate to the step-by-step concept using the "loop top" shape to produce two cursive letters by changing size. The lesson shows how to practice moving with the voice to write sets of each target letter. If you are not familiar with the Peterson method, the videos in this series provide a quick illustration. The Peterson approach to cursive is the only way to let students begin to apply it step-by-step.
Learn Cursive Step-By-Step Lesson # 2
This lesson introduces the "Sharp Top" basic shape and two more one-step letters made with tall and small sharp tops. The addition of letters "I" and "t" allow a few simple words to be added to the goals for student practice. The step-by-step concept is reinforced by applying the letters to words. There is a short review of lesson one for reinforcement, but sequential use of the lessons is recommended.
Learn Cursive Step-By-Step Lesson # 3
The series continues by introducing another one-step letter and the first two-step letter. Additional letters enable more words and we hope you will guide the student to find some that are not illustrated. The step-by-step approach lets a student practice the steps until he/she can put all of the steps together easily. The individual letter rhythms add together to enable internalization of a rhythmic pattern for the word.
Learn Cursive Step-By-Step Lesson # 4
Lesson four introduces two of the more difficult lowercase letters. The "r" and the "c" typically require more practice because the extra moves needed to shape the letter tops present odd rhythms into the typical up-and-down beat for the majority of letters. The video leads air writing using the action words to get the student started with internalization of the rhythmic movement patterns.
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Awesome Extras
Learn about the movement based strategy that lets you teach, and your student practice, fluent movement. Supporting research is referenced in the strategy paper.
Why Choose Peterson?
The most important reason to choose this program is simple. We offer a unique strategy. That means the teaching and learning activities are different from the program you have been using. We provide a developmental curriculum, and simple materials for teaching fluent handwriting. This is NOT the typical "Trace & Copy" strategy that like virtually every other program out there. This strategy is movement-based. That means we lead you to teach your student "how to move" using a planned series of Directed movement exercises.
This page provides a bit of history and explains why Peterson Directed Handwriting is different from other programs. The long successful history is another good reason to choose the Peterson Directed Handwriting strategy. We thank you for your interest and urge you contact us when questions arise.
Peterson Directed Handwriting was founded in 1908 by Dr. P. O. Peterson. While training in Spencerian and Palmer methods, Dr. Peterson recognized a connection between rhythm and fluency. He developed a unique curriculum for teaching The American Standard Alphabet which included learning how to move with smooth rhythm. He changed the way letters were taught to enhance rhythmicity. Initially, he operated a school training adults for the business workplace. The success of his methods soon led school directors to hire Peterson to train teachers in his methods. The Peterson curriculum has been in continuous use in schools and homes ever since.