D'Nealian Handwriting

Name: D'Nealian Handwriting
Brand: Savvas Learning Companyhttps://www.savvas.com/

by Savvas Learning Companyhttps://www.savvas.com/

ElaGrades Pre-K–6

D'Nealian Handwriting: Slanted Print-to-Cursive Handwriting Program

D'Nealian handwriting is a specialized handwriting curriculum that teaches a slanted form of printing designed to ease the transition to cursive writing. The program progresses from slant print in pre-K through first grade to cursive instruction beginning in second grade and continuing through sixth grade.

Best for

Elementary teachers and homeschool families seeking a systematic handwriting program that bridges print and cursive writing across grades Pre-K through 6

Evaluation Criteria

2 strengths · 2 neutral · 5 insufficient evidence

Direct InstructionStrength

The curriculum appears to support direct instruction through structured lesson presentations. Teacher editions include lesson outlines that facilitate explicit handwriting instruction.

Teacher editions contain lesson presentation outlines and the program follows a systematic progression

Writing InstructionStrength

The curriculum addresses the mechanical aspects of writing through systematic handwriting instruction. The progression from slant print to cursive provides a structured approach to developing writing fluency.

Program teaches slanted printing in early grades then transitions to cursive in second grade, continuing practice through sixth grade

Teacher TrainingNeutral

The curriculum includes teacher editions with instructional support. However, the review suggests these are optional and expensive, indicating basic implementation may rely primarily on student workbooks.

Teacher editions available with lesson presentation outlines and supplemental activities, though described as expensive and potentially unnecessary

Retrieval PracticeNeutral

The curriculum includes practice opportunities across multiple grade levels. Continued practice through sixth grade suggests repeated engagement with handwriting skills.

Program continues handwriting practice from pre-K through sixth grade

Knowledge RichInsufficient Evidence

This criterion is not applicable to a handwriting-focused curriculum.

The curriculum focuses on handwriting mechanics rather than building domain knowledge

Text ComplexityInsufficient Evidence

This criterion is not applicable to a handwriting-focused curriculum.

D'Nealian handwriting focuses on letter formation rather than reading complex texts

Systematic PhonicsInsufficient Evidence

This criterion is not applicable to a handwriting-focused curriculum.

D'Nealian handwriting teaches letter formation rather than phonics instruction

Vocabulary BuildingInsufficient Evidence

This criterion is not applicable to a handwriting-focused curriculum.