Recently a number of people have asked if Peterson Directed Handwriting offered testimonials from client schools or parents. The idea has been talked about but never pursued until a few weeks ago.Because this is our 100th year of continuous service to schools, parents and students, it seemed like the perfect time to act on the suggestion and create a testimonial page for the web site. I sent out a few email requests and have provided the comments from the early responders below.
We will seek out more comments as the year progresses and add responses as they come in.
To Sharon, Dave and Debra -
Thanks for responding so quickly and for your continuing support of handwriting instruction.
Sharon Goldstein, Retired in 2007 after more than 30 years in elementary classrooms...
The Peterson Directed Handwriting Program is wonderful! I have been using the program for 50 years! It is the program that I was taught when I started school, and continued through my educational years. Then I started to teach, and my school district used the program. Times changed, but my handwriting program did not. My students have enjoyed their handwriting lessons because they can see their progress. Because of the left-to-right progression and movement that is stressed in the program, a carry-over into other subjects is evident as well. Now I have retired from the public school system, but I will continue to teach Peterson Handwriting as an independent learning specialist. Peterson Handwriting is definitely the program of choice!
Dave Thompson, President of Educational FontwareI have personally made handwriting fonts for all the handwriting programs in the US. In the process of doing so, I examined workbooks and instruction manuals for them all. I found that the materials, techniques, and methods from Peterson Directed Handwriting to be the best. When my customers ask for a recommendation, I always send them to PDH.
Debora A. Dawson
Former Teacher and Special Education Supervisor, MIU 4
Principal, His Kids Christian SchoolWhen I think of formal handwriting instruction, I naturally think of Peterson. As a former special educator and reading specialist, I have always recognized the link between reading and writing fluency. Even very successful readers often have difficulty expressing their thoughts in writing. Following systematic handwriting instruction, students become much more proficient in putting their thoughts on paper.The Peterson Directed Handwriting system gives students the skills and confidence to move forward in a way that is developmentally appropriate for a given age. The progression from manuscript to slant print to cursive allows students to be able to use their new skills right away. Students look forward to applying what they have practiced in handwriting class to their daily work. They are taught to self-evaluate their work by comparing what they have produced to correct models.
As a principal, I have heard the feedback from teachers who have never learned or taught any kind of formal handwriting until being exposed to the Peterson methods. The Teachers' Materials provide the structure and support to help educators understand the mechanics of handwriting and letter formation. They are amazed at the rapid progress that students make because of the systematic structure of how new skills are taught and intertwined with practice opportunities. Teachers and students share the motivation and pride of mastering good handwriting through the Peterson Directed Handwriting method. Parents, too, often comment on how much their children have gained from their improved handwriting skills.
I just can't imagine a school without Peterson!