Italic Handwriting series, Books A - G

by Inga Dubay and Barbara Getty

Portland State University / School of Extended Studies

Italic is somewhat similar to slant print in appearance, but letters are formed differently. The method is more like a very basic calligraphy than anything else, although the writing instrument is lifted far less often than in calligraphy. Italic letter forms for printing and cursive are basically identical, with entrance and exit strokes added to the “printed” forms for joining letters in cursive. This makes transition from printing to cursive almost effortless.

These books teach students to use a “look, plan, and practice” approach to evaluate and improve their own work, beginning with the first step in Books A-C, then using all three steps in D-G. The books have full-color covers, and the print explaining lessons matches the Italic style.

The teacher’s manual (one book for student books A-G) contains the scope and sequence for the series; discussion of materials; tips for teaching left- or right-handed writers; and techniques for teaching and evaluating shape, strokes, size, slope, spacing, and speed of writing. It also has black-line masters for various sizes of ruled-line paper, three letter formats, and an envelope.

Italic style handwriting looks impressive without requiring extraordinary effort. Many schools are now using this as their basic handwriting program. This method might also be a good choice for children who have struggled with or have very sloppy handwriting and need a new approach. Introducing italic style to children with handwriting difficulties has proven very successful in some cases. It gives them a fresh start, and the results can look good with little skill. Students need not begin in Book A (kindergarten level) but can start with the book for their grade level.

Blackline masters ($7.75 a set) are available for use with children who need even more practice than that supplied within the workbooks. To make teaching Italic style easier, they have produced a video that sells for $29.95. These two teaching aids should make it easier than before to teach Italic style printing and writing.

For those who prefer more efficient instruction within a single book rather than child-oriented worktexts, the authors have written Write Now ($13.95). Although written for adult learners, children from about ages eight or nine should be able to learn from it, although they might need some adult assistance. Write Now teaches basic Italic handwriting with plenty of examples and practice exercises. Unlike the workbook series described above, it goes beyond simple italic into the use of different types of pens and more complicated calligraphy. Following the instruction is a brief, illustrated history of the alphabet. Lined guide sheets are also included.