Handwriting Without Tears
Mat Man
Through listening to the Mat Man Song and using body pieces to represent different body parts (e.g., head, legs, arms, etc.), the children work together to build Mat Man. Through this exercise, they learn body awareness, cooperation, organization and sequencing. They then eventually learn how to draw a person and to add details to their drawings.
Writing
Through listening to songs, the children learn the vocabulary associated with writing, as well as how to make each letter. They have multiple opportunities to form letters with wood pieces and then with whiteboards or chalkboards, always remembering to start letters at the top.