Handwriting Without Tears

According to its occupational therapist developer, this is the only developmentally-based handwriting program on the market, which means it pays particular attention to the needs of children who are learning to write. It offers basic exercises in figure-ground discrimination and top-to-bottom, left-to-right sequencing.

With letter formation, it begins with capitals because, unlike lowercase letters (p, q, b and d, for example), uppercase letters are easy to distinguish. Kids don't mix them up. You'll note that cursive letters are formed in an upright rather than slanted position.

The program is especially helpful if your children have significant learning challenges and physical limitations. Parents also say it's easy to use with left-handed writers.