CurriculumResearcher

Cursive First, An Introduction to Cursive Penmanship

by LITHBTH Educational Services

ElaAll Grades

Cursive First: Specialized Cursive Handwriting Program for Early Learners

Cursive First is a handwriting curriculum that teaches cursive writing from the beginning rather than transitioning from manuscript print. Developed by Elizabeth FitzGerald to complement the Spell to Write and Read program, it uses kinesthetic activities and direct instruction to teach a simplified cursive style.

Best for

Homeschool families or teachers seeking to teach cursive handwriting from the beginning, especially those using the Spell to Write and Read phonics program

Evaluation Criteria

3 strengths · 1 concern · 3 neutral · 2 insufficient evidence

Teacher TrainingStrength

Includes comprehensive teacher guidance with methodology explanation and instructional alignment.

Book 'serves as a teacher manual' with 'suggestions on how to align instruction' and 'explanation of the methodology'

Direct InstructionStrength

The curriculum requires and facilitates direct, explicit instruction for handwriting skills.

Explicitly states 'This course requires direct instruction' and includes teacher manual with specific instructional guidance

Systematic PhonicsStrength

The curriculum aligns with and supports phonics instruction through the Spell to Write and Read program.

Designed to work 'in conjunction with SWR' and includes practice with 'phonograms as taught in SWR' plus '70 Basic Phonogram Cards'

Writing InstructionConcern

Focuses exclusively on handwriting mechanics rather than composition or structured writing instruction.

Practice sheets provide 'practice with letters and words, but not sentences' and shifts to 'spelling lessons and other writing assignments' for application

Knowledge RichNeutral

The curriculum includes historical context about handwriting development but is primarily skill-focused.

The book dedicates space to 'a history of the development of handwriting' though the main focus is on penmanship technique

Retrieval PracticeNeutral

Includes practice worksheets but limited evidence of spaced review or retrieval practice methods.

Mentions 'reproducible practice worksheets' for practicing letters and phonograms but no systematic review schedule described

Vocabulary BuildingNeutral

Limited vocabulary instruction beyond phonogram practice and key words for letter formation.

Cards include 'key words' for letter formation and students practice 'phonograms' but no systematic vocabulary building is described

Text ComplexityInsufficient Evidence

Not applicable as this is a handwriting curriculum focused on letter and word formation.

Curriculum focuses on cursive letter formation and phonogram practice rather than reading complex texts

Whole Books Vs ExcerptsInsufficient Evidence

This criterion does not apply to a handwriting-focused curriculum.

The curriculum is specifically designed for cursive penmanship instruction, not reading comprehension or literature study

Sources: cathyduffyreviews.com

Review Sources

cathyduffy

Cathy Duffy

Read full review →
Key Facts
GradesAll Grades
SubjectEla
PedagogyNot specified
Faith-BasedNo
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Looking for something different?

If none of these options feel right, explore a non-traditional approach. Pallas Center offers a unique curriculum, or design your own with Palladay.

Data sources: cathyduffy