When we first started homeschooling our daughter who is on the Autism Spectrum (ASD), we researched and researched handwriting curricula. Her fine motor skills were still a bit delayed but she was quickly catching up. We chose Handwriting Without Tears. The curriculum was developed by an occupational therapist which integrates both hands-on activities and worksheets for handwriting practice. I quickly fell in love with it! Our daughter, however, did not. I wasn't sure why. It was both engaging and simple. The directions were clear-cut and the pages were fun. Why, oh why, was my daughter crying each and every time we took out the handwriting books and activities? If this magical curriculum wouldn't work, what would? I kept asking her, "Why are you crying?" and all I'd get in reply was more tears. After two weeks of tears, I packed up the curriculum and put it away. Handwriting would have to take a backseat to her other subjects. With all the handwriting drama, her other subjects were being ignored.
Two weeks past and I brought out the handwriting books and tablet and asked my daughter it point to what made her cry. I figured after a two week break she would not be emotional about it. She pointed to the front of the book and said, "Oh, silly me! I thought it said Handwriting WITH Tears not without."
And then I cried.
Our daughter has always been very literal and making the slightest reading mistake can lead to trouble.
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