Handwriting Styles

In different schools, different types of handwriting techniques are used. The technique taught to your child may not be the one that you learned!


Palmer Handwriting
There's a good chance that your grandparents learned to write using "the Palmer method." It was popularized by Austin Palmer in the early 1900s, and almost every handwriting program in existence today is a direct descendent of this style - either as an enhancement of the method, or as a reaction against it.

Zaner Bloser© Handwriting

The number one selling handwriting program in America. Based on the Palmer method with numerous improvements and enhancements. Zaner Bloser currently offers both their old style (traditional) alphabet, and a new, more contemporary version (simplified). More information on Zaner Bloser handwriting can be found at: http://www.zaner-bloser.com/

A Reason For® Handwriting
Using an alphabet very similar to Zaner Bloser's "simplified" style, this curriculum is based on content taken from Scripture verses. It also includes a strong outreach component, giving children a practical "reason" for using their very best handwriting. An informative, well-designed website with downloadable curriculum samples can be found at: http://www.areasonfor.com/

McDougal, Littell© Handwriting
Similar to Zaner Bloser with minor variations in style and teaching methodology.McDougal, Littell's website address is: http://www.mcdougallittell.com/
Harcourt Brace® HandwritingSimilar to Zaner Bloser with minor variations in style and teaching methodology. More information on Harcourt Brace handwriting can be found at: http://www.harcourtschool.com/

D'Nealian Handwriting

Developed in the 1960s by Don Neal Thurber (Don Neal = D'Nealian) in an effort to ease the transition from manuscript to cursive. It features a unique manuscript alphabet that reflects the cursive forms of each letter. More information on D'Nealian handwriting can be found at: http://www.scottforesman.com

Getty-Dubay Handwriting

A relative newcomer to italicized handwriting programs. Developed by Barbara Getty and Inga Dubay at Portland State University. While D'Nealian tends to make manuscript letters reflect cursive letters, Getty-Dubay tends to make the cursive alphabet reflect manuscript formation. Some reviewers have referred to Getty-Dubay as "calligraphy style" handwriting. More information on Getty-Dubay handwriting can be found at:

The following information was obtained from zanerbloser.com. :)