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Wikki Stix

  The neatest trick I’ve found for cursive handwriting handwriting is WikkiStix. These non-toxic, wax like strings are great for one on one teaching of formation of letters and numbers. Actually, it can be done with a whole class. I recently had a session with 20 third graders and felt the lesson was extremely successful.

I bought my WikkiStix at the local teacher store. They come in various colors and lengths. WikkiStix can be cut easily and stick almost anywhere.

Here’s how I use Wikki Stix for handwriting instruction.

   I have a table in my room devoted to this technique. I use a large piece of paper and have lines on it. The lines are about 2 inches apart. This paper was then laminated and secured to the top of the table. (I also use this table for clay work, writing with Vis-ŕ-Vis pens, etc.) In the session with a whole class, the students created their cursive letters on their desk tops while I demonstrated on the over head projector.

I give the students a piece of paper with the stimulus to be learned on it. I wrote stimulus on the overhead for the whole class session. Also demonstrated using WikkiStix on the chalkboard. I also talk through the actions I use when I write the stimulus.  I am careful to use the same vocabulary they’re used to hearing from the handwriting program they’ve been exposed to. Words like: over stroke, slant stroke, etc.

Then, I make a WikkiStix model for them to copy while the student watches and helps. Sometimes, you have to cut the string to get the letter (or whatever you make) to look right.

Together, we make a crayon rubbing of it. (Simply put a piece of blank paper over the WikkiStix creation and use a dark colored crayon and scribble or rub over it -- tada --, a crayon representation of the model.) Did not do the crayon rubbing in the whole class lesson - ran out of time but it probably could be done.

The student then makes his/her own WikkiStix model and also makes a crayon rubbing of it to take home. Note: it is possible to set the letters up on their base and stand the letters up if they aren’t too tall. Kids enjoy seeing their work in 3D. In the whole class lesson, a student discovered this himself - so don't tell them, let them discover this!

  Later, I check for “mastery" by having the student write the “stimulus” on the chalkboard or paper with EYES CLOSED. It usually works well.

Email me at addchoices@aol.com with questions or comments.