Handwriting Without Tears: Wet-Dry-Try for Capitals, Numbers & Lowercase

Based on the popular Handwriting Without Tears program, Handwriting Without Tears app is a great supplement to the hands-on resources and workbooks from HWT program. The consistent language used for the last 30 years in HWT will be familiar for many.  As part of its multi-sensory experience, the handwriting program also uses a chalkboard and the Wet-Dry-Try method to teach children how to write. Handwriting Without Tears app is a virtual adaptation of this popular handwriting system.

Handwriting Without Tears app helps with early literacy skills, early numeracy skills, and fine-motor skills. Developed by the creators of Handwriting Without Tears, the app models how to appropriately write letters and numbers. I like Handwriting Without Tears because it is developmentally appropriate, helps students identify letters, and is multisensory. The app is multisensory as it allows students write on a chalkboard using the “wet-dry-try” method.

Using a virtual chalkboard, a three step process of tracing is used to complete the letter or number formation. Before the child begins to trace, a friendly voice demonstrates the formation in a clear and concise manner which follows the specific HWT language. The letter ‘p’ For example, “Dive down, swim up and over around bump”. The child is then asked to copy the formation by using a wet sponge to clean the blackboard; this is followed by drying the blackboard and finally forming the letter with chalk. In each of the three steps, the child needs to form the letter with increasing accuracy. Upon doing this correctly, a star (one of three) is rewarded. Gaining three stars requires increased formation accuracy, once a child has received three stars they receive a colourful lettercard.. Friendly praise is given by the coach throughout and if the child is unsuccessful then gentle encouragement is given to try again. Lowercase letters include two writing lines to support the learner. The numbers and upper case sections follow the same process but without the lined support.

As you would expect from the HWT program, excellent support is available for both teachers and parents, which include videos tutorials and audio instructions through the developer’s website. The lite version only gives you access to certain letters and numbers from the program. Further letter groups and numbers can be obtained through in-app purchases. I would recommend purchasing the student licences which last for a year. This licence gives you access to  the +Live insights section, a digital dashboard that gives you real time, web based progress reports for each of your pupils and suggestions for next steps in learning. The additional purchase will also allow you to print and share progress reports with parents, colleagues and your pupils if you wish. Further technical support and tutorials are available upon buying the licence.

I would only recommend this application for use with children who have strong pre-writing skills. For those who don’t with poor fine motor skills it may be a little frustrating due the accuracy required. Beyond this level, Handwriting Without Tears: Wet-Dry-Try Suite for Capitals, Numbers & Lowercase (Classroom edition) is a wonderful and engaging application and a must have for children who find handwriting frustrating.

You can download Handwriting Without Tears: Wet-Dry-Try for Capitals, Numbers & Lowercase on your iOS devices from the Apple App Store.