Pencil
Pete's® Handwriting Programs |
| Copyright
© 2003 by JJMdesigns |
Cursive
Writing & Learn To Print |
|
Hello!
Thank you for visiting this website. Pencil Pete's® Handwriting Programs, Practice Worksheets, and Story Starters are some of the materials I developed to help me do a better job teaching in the classroom. One thing led to another and here we are! It's a pretty neat feeling to know that now these same materials are in use in schools and homes around the world.
I've never been a big fan of testimonials. It has always seemed rather easy for anyone to write anything, true or otherwise, and say it came from a wildly satisfied customer. So you won't see any testimonials on this website. If you decide to give any of Pencil Pete's® educational products a try and for any reason are not satisfied, you will get your money back. No muss, no fuss.
I've recently retired from teaching and am now dividing my time between working on Pencil Pete, writing, and trying to keep up with a "to do" list that for some reason never gets any shorter. If you have the time, I would be pleased to hear how Pencil Pete's® teaching tools are working for you and your children.
Best Regards,
John Maiurano
jjm@jjmdesigns.com
| Frequently Asked Questions |
**Are
handwriting skills really that important?
** I have installed the program software. How do I access the worksheets?
**I
have shown my students how to form letters correctly, but they seem to forget
how to do it the very next day. What can I do to help them?
**What
style of handwriting is used in the Pencil Pete's® Programs?
**When
I click to order your program why am I taken to another site to finish the order?
** Does
the CD need to stay in the computer to run the programs?
** When
I purchase the Handwriting Programs, how many computers can I install them on?
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Are handwriting
skills really that important?
If a child is struggling with handwriting he or she is focusing on the motor
process and not on the creative writing process which is where you want them
to be. Teachers emphasize good handwriting skills so that the physical process
of writing will become as natural as possible. Once handwriting becomes second
nature, children are able to express themselves more freely and can become more
creative in their written communication. It's also nice to be able to read what
children have written! Pencil Pete can help give your child or students a boost
toward becoming more proficient writers.
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I have installed the program software. How do I access the worksheets?
The worksheets automatically install in your program files. Go to your start menu, click on programs and scroll over Pencil Pete. The worksheet files will appear.
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I have shown
my students how to form letters correctly but they seem to forget how to do
it the very next day. What can I do to help them?
Learning to write, just like learning any new skill requires both effective
instruction and follow up practice. Remember when you first started using a
new program on a computer? Someone may have shown you how to do a certain task
with the program. It seemed pretty straight forward.....but, if you are like
the rest of us, the next time you tried it on your own things seemed a whole
lot different. It can be very helpful to be shown how to perform a new skill
repeatedly and to practice that skill until it sinks in. Pencil Pete models
the correct techniques over and over, demonstrating how to form each letter,
and continues to guide practice sessions as your child or students use the specially
designed worksheets. This combination of modeling correct techniques and guided
practice with the worksheets is an effective combination for everyone, and extremely
important for children with special needs. Learning to write becomes easier
and less frustrating. Plus it's fun! If you have a child that doesn't look forward
to practicing handwriting skills, Pencil Pete can be a great motivational
tool.
One last plus for Pencil Pete's® Programs. It can be easier for children
to follow the formation of each letter without having to look over or through
the hand of a person demonstrating the techniques. A monitor set up in front
of the class is much easier for children to view than trying to follow the teacher
at the board.
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What style
of handwriting is used in the programs?
Pencil Pete's® Handwriting Programs are compatable with the styles taught in most schools.
Regardless of style, the techniques used to form each letter are very similar.
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When I click
to order your program why am I taken to another site to
finish the order?
Orders for Pencil Pete's® Handwriting Programs are processed and distributed
by Register Now, a company set up to receive orders, collect appropriate tax,
and accept payment. The Register Now site is encrypted and safe to use. Because
information transferred to and from this site is encrypted, the connection may
seem slower than on other sites. If you choose the download versions of Pencil
Pete's® Handwriting Programs, you will receive an e-mail from Register
Now, after you complete the order form, giving you instructions for downloading
your order. If ordering the CD version, it will be sent to the address that
you provide. For those that have never done this type of thing before, it really
is fast and easy!
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Does the
CD need to stay in the computer to run the programs?
Once the handwriting software program is installed the CD does
not need to remain in your computer. A shortcut icon will be added to your desktop
so your child can easily access the handwriting programs. The worksheets automatically install in your program files. Go to your start menu, click on programs, scroll over Pencil Pete and the worksheet files will appear.
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When I purchase
the Handwriting Program License, how many computers can I install them on?
Purchase of a single
program license, either download or cd version, allows installation on up to
5 computers in a single classroom type setting or all computers in your home.
A copy may be made of the download version for back-up. Worksheets may be copied
for use as blackline masters within a single classroom. A site license permits
installation and use of programs and worksheets throughout a school building.
Purchase orders are accepted. (Please see requirements for use of purchase orders
and more info on site licences on order page.)
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