Script-n-Scribe Cursive Courses

by Half-A-Hundred Acre Woodhttps://www.halfahundredacrewood.com/

ElaAll Grades

Script-n-Scribe Cursive Courses: Handwriting-Focused Classical Program

Script-n-Scribe Cursive Courses is a classical handwriting curriculum that teaches cursive writing from preschool up, incorporating phonics reinforcement and copywork with poetry, hymns, and art studies. The program emphasizes cursive-first instruction using systematic stroke patterns and integrates character development through literature and scripture.

Best for

Homeschooling families using classical or Charlotte Mason approaches who prioritize cursive handwriting, character development, and cultural literacy through copywork and memorization

Evaluation Criteria

5 strengths · 3 concerns · 1 neutral

Knowledge RichStrength

The curriculum systematically builds domain knowledge through integrated art studies, American history, hymn history, and character education.

Courses include 'Americana: Exploring America through Cursive Copywork' with patriotic poetry, 'Hymns in History' with religious heritage, and art appreciation components that build cultural literacy

Text ComplexityStrength

Uses grade-appropriate complex texts including classical poetry and historical hymns that challenge students appropriately.

Features challenging works like Longfellow's 'Paul Revere's Ride' and classical hymns by Isaac Watts and St. Francis of Assisi

Direct InstructionStrength

The curriculum employs explicit, systematic instruction for handwriting with clear teacher modeling and guided practice.

Teachers 'use one of the cards and a dry-erase marker to teach each stroke then demonstrate on a whiteboard' with students practicing systematic stroke patterns

Retrieval PracticeStrength

Strong emphasis on memorization and retrieval through poetry recitation and rotating memory schedules.

Includes 'memorization plans' with 'twelve weeks that cycle students through the recitation of a gradually growing memory bank' and systematic review of learned material

Whole Books Vs ExcerptsStrength

The curriculum uses complete poems and hymns for copywork rather than excerpts, providing students with whole literary works.

Review mentions 'Copywork is for complete poems and hymns, and many of these take up a number of pages' and includes full works like 'Paul Revere's Ride' by Longfellow

Teacher TrainingConcern

Limited teacher support beyond instruction cards and basic guidance for implementing the handwriting methods.

Includes 'instruction cards' and basic methodology but review suggests minimal professional development or detailed teacher training materials

Vocabulary BuildingConcern

Limited explicit vocabulary instruction, though exposure comes through poetry and literature copywork.

No specific vocabulary instruction methods mentioned beyond exposure to rich literary language in poems and hymns

Writing InstructionConcern

The curriculum focuses exclusively on handwriting mechanics and copywork rather than composition or structured writing instruction.

Program teaches 'cursive handwriting skills' and copywork but review indicates no instruction in planning, drafting, or composing original writing

Systematic PhonicsNeutral

The program reinforces phonics instruction through phonogram cards and sound-based letter learning but is not primarily a phonics curriculum.

Uses 'Bookface Print Phonogram Cards' similar to Orton-Gillingham programs, and 'both teacher and student are to say the sound(s) of the phonogram rather than the name of the letter'

Review Sources

cathyduffy

Cathy Duffy

Key Facts
GradesAll Grades
SubjectEla
PedagogyClassical
Faith-BasedChristian/Protestant

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