Name: Thrive! NCHE Homeschool Conference
Start: 2025-05-22T00:00:00-05:00
End: 2025-05-24T23:59:59-05:00
Location: Winston-Salem, NC

Tagged: computer based programs, copywork, handwriting programs

This topic has 6 replies, 3 voices, and was last updated 13 years, 9 months ago by my3boys.

Viewing 7 posts - 1 through 7 (of 7 total)

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July 21, 2011 at 4:26 pm
my3boys
Participant
I am interested in the difference of both of these programs.
My 6yo has had some instruction with handwriting but in about a month we’ll be doing more “sit down”, “structured” lessons. We have (loosely) used Handwriting w/o Tears, and although I didn’t have a problem with it, per se, I want to try something else. He has some handwriting skills but he’s not “fluent”, iykwim. I could do copywork, which I do a little of, but I was really looking for a program for him since he is still very new to this skill.
My understanding is: Pencil Pete is a online/computer based (pencil guy on the computer talking??) program, meaning my ds would have to actually be using my laptop?? Peterson-Directed has a CD for something, but not sure what that is for (teacher/student/printables)??
Also, for PD: I’m really thinking he needs the PreK-K, not grade 1, but I could be wrong. He does know how to draw most letters, but really I think we need to start over to have a better foundation. We could move quickly through the Prek/K, which is fine, but I’m afraid that grade 1 may be too advanced and leave out foundational principles. That is something I really don’t know….If we could just start with grade 1, I’d be okay, as long as it has foundational material.
Thanks in advance….I know, lots of questions.
July 21, 2011 at 7:18 pm
my3boys
Participant
bump:)
July 21, 2011 at 8:31 pm
suzukimom
Participant
argh – lost a reply…
ok – I have used the cursive version of both.
Pencil pete runs on the computer and draws the letter over and over so the child can see the steps to draw it. It also has pages you can print to practice the letters. If I recall, it only deals with single letters.
I think Peterson also has a program that does something similar – I never bought that. I bought the eBooks that you print out yourself (and I did the cursive first option…) The Step 1 (in either print or cursive) focuses on just one letter as well – so that you can do it with a reading program in the order of the reading program. Step 2 (in either – grade 1) also teaches each letter but does it in the order easiest to write – and quickly has work practice as well.
A huge difference is that Peterson has the student talk as they write – they start by saying the motions used to make the letters. Later they “count” the stroke pattern. This is done to promote fluency in writing… they are writing to a rhythm. They also teach how to evaluate the fluency of the writing. Because the writing pattern is being put into muscle memory – there is no tracing with a pencil. They can trace with a finger, but not a pencil.
Another thing that is different with the cursive is that when learning the letters, you don’t put tails on the letters… it messes up the fluency once you join the letters.
hth!
July 21, 2011 at 11:32 pm
missceegee
Participant
I’m a big fan of Pencil Pete. It’s simple for a 6 yo to follow. It is individual letters, but it is easy to transition to copywork after the letters are learned. It’s a simple program that you click on the letter and watch it formed over and over until you either turn it off or choose a new letter. I added my own “talk through” from my time using Cursive First (ie. start at 2 on the clock, make a clockface stroke, without lifting your pencil…) I can recommend PP and Cursive First as great options.
July 22, 2011 at 1:10 am
my3boys
Participant
Thanks ladies 🙂
Now, does PP have printables to practice or should I just print out sheets, say from….Zaner-Bloser (sp?) or even SCM, for copywork??
I suppose I am looking for something simple as this little fellow has alot of energy and I don’t want to spend a ton on something that I’ll only be using for him. Plus, he is probably not going to sit down for super long periods but may for a computer guy 🙂
I will spend a little more time looking over these two programs with your “reviews” to assist me. Thanks again!
July 22, 2011 at 1:57 am
suzukimom
Participant
Pencil Pete comes with a page for each letter, if I remember correctly
July 22, 2011 at 4:58 am
my3boys
Participant
Yes, you are right. And, I was able to look back at both websites with much more understanding after you two have described them.
Isn’t it funny that homeschool moms can better describe programs better than the programmers? 🙂