By Barbara Brann
Casey the Caterpillar is the story that goes with The Magic Caterpillar Handwriting Program. This book introduces the letter elements (shapes) as part of the story. The main purpose of the story is to draw the children’s attention to the shapes that make up the letters. The children will meet these shapes again during the writing phase of the Magic Caterpillar Handwriting Program. It is essential that they are able to discriminate the shapes in the story and to name the shapes before any writing is begun. This book is beautifully illustrated. The story book is ONLY 1 of 3 parts of the program. The small book is best when there are only 1-4 children.
There are 3 parts to this program: The Story Book, the Teachers Manual and the Worksheets
"Why should I use this program?"
It is very important that as a child begins to write, they learn to form their letters correctly. That is not simply to make the letters look correct, but to actually make the strokes of the letter correctly and in the correct order. The Magic Caterpillar Handwriting Program allows the child to achieve these skills. This allows handwriting to become automatic. The child does not have to think about how to form letters, which way they face and their relationship to the line.
"How does this program work?"
Initially the story
“Casey the Caterpillar” is read to the child several times, emphasising the shapes as they are mentioned in the story. The children are encouraged to find the shapes in the pictures on each page and to name them. Hereafter, the actual letter stroke shapes are introduced. The “Magic Caterpillar Story” is introduced. The adult is given clear guidelines as to how to go about this. The child is encouraged to eventually form letters by combining specific letter elements. The child is initially taught the letter elements using individual chalkboards. Once the child achieves automaticity using the chalkboards, the progression is made to the writing sheets provided and eventually to conventional paper.
The program outlines some “dos” and “don’ts” for the teacher and includes suggestions for activities and exercises to encourage correct letter formation. The ideas are equally applicable for older students experiencing problems with handwriting.
A child with handwriting difficulties may also benefit from the following programs: The Magic Beak Program and The Fine Motor Kits.
“What are the results that I can expect to see?”
A child who has learnt handwriting skills using
the Magic Caterpillar Handwriting Program would be able to perform a handwriting task fluidly and with automaticity. The child would not have to constantly or consciously think about how to form the letters. This would improve handwriting legibility and speed. The child would be able to pay more attention to the content of his sentence or story, as less energy would be spent on the actual handwriting process.
Casey the Caterpillar has taught thousands of children handwriting skills in the easiest, fun-filled way. Children can write 12 letters just by mastering 6 simple shapes. Children learn to write letters in hours, not weeks or months. Letter formation is perfect irrespective of the script mandated by the educational system in which the child is being educated.
The Program comes with:
- Big Story Book - good to use in a classroom with a group of children
- Teachers Manual
- Worksheets these can be photocopied
An excellent programs to use in conjunction with this program is
The Magic Beak by Fiona Lilley and Sally Barrable and
The Fine Motor kits.
For further information go to:
BMB Educational Consultancy
