Review: PreScripts from Classical Conversations

I was sent a review book from Classical Conversations newest product line which covers handwriting. More specifically, we were sent the PreScripts Cursive Sentences and Art Lessons workbook!  This book is intended for ages 7-12, and uses a combination of writing and drawing to cover history.

Classical Conversations is a Christian program founded by Leigh Bortins.  It is, as the name implies, a group that is centered around the philosophical tenants of classical education.  Classical education involves memorization of historical facts (among much more!) during the grammar years of education (or foundation age, as Classical Conversations calls it) - and their new handwriting program does a lovely job of combining historical information (this book centers on medieval to modern world history), scripture verses, basic drawing lessons, and gorgeous handwriting.  I love it!

I imagine that in future years books that correspond to the other three history cycles studied by Classical Conversations will be introduced - seems like a safe bet!  I plan to collect them all.  I own a number of products put out by Classical Conversations, even though the kids don't formally participate in the local group.  The materials they provide are excellent quality stand alone study aids.

Classical Conversations has a great set of sample pages, here, that give a really good idea as to the format and scope of the drawing lessons and show a nice sample of the font used.  The drawing lessons relate to the handwriting copy work, and generally provide a small helpful "hint" or technique note, and then space to practice it.  As for the handwriting, the sentences are long, and direct quotes from the memorization work used in the Classical Conversations program.  If you want shorter sentences you might be interested in their earlier levels.

It's been interesting reading, the past few years, about the different school districts across our country that are phasing out cursive as a requirement.  Some progressives even argue that handwriting in general is a useless skill as long as children can type.  I think this is crazy!  At the turn of the century children were actually taught cursive as their FIRST style of lettering.  It was considered good for brain development and it wasn't considered too hard for 6 year olds.  Times have changed, unfortunately.

The lettering style used by this program appears to be a Zaner-Bloser type of cursive.  It's a nice flowing lovely to read style, but the capitals are going to be a bit harder for kids to pick up as they look "fancier" than many other styles!

I think handwriting is a skill best practiced daily.  I like to incorporate it into another subject to keep it relevant and engaging, and so the historical and scriptural tie ins in this book make it an easy one to add into the schedule.  The drawing pages also provide a nice break/help keep the kids excited about coming back for more.

I like that Classical Conversation's copyright gives you permission to copy pages in the book for use in your own family, but as the book isn't very expensive you might want to just buy and use it for the sake of convenience.

In conclusion?  If you couldn't tell, I think this book is lovely.  Nice quality pages, great material, and easy to use!  I have been raving about it to my friends!

Check out the book, which is $12.99, and others in this new handwriting line at the Classical Conversations website.

If you'd like to check out reviews of the other books in the series head on over to The Old Schoolhouse's review crew.