Frequently Asked Questions
Are handwriting skills really that important?
I have installed the program software. How do I access the worksheets?
I have installed the Story Starters. Where are they?
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?
When I purchase the Handwriting Programs, on how many computers can I install them?
Is there a Mac OS X version of your software?
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.
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, scroll over to Pencil Pete and the worksheet files will be there.
I have installed the Story Starters. Where are they?
By default, the Story Starters are installed on your Desktop. When you first run the installer you can choose a different folder to put these, but if you clicked the “Next” button without changing anything, you should be able to find them on the Desktop. Simply minimize any and all windows on your screen and the Desktop will be underneath. There you should now see your Story Starters.
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.
Using 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.
What style of handwriting is used in the programs?
Pencil Pete’s® Handwriting Programs are compatible with the styles taught in most schools. Regardless of style, the techniques used to form each letter are very similar.
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 due to an added layer of security that is in place. If you choose the download versions of Pencil Pete’s® Handwriting Programs, you will receive an e-mail from Register Now soon after you complete the order form, giving you instructions for downloading your order. It really is fast, easy, and secure!
When I purchase the Handwriting Program License, on how many computers can I install them?
If you purchase a single program license, you are allowed to install on two (2) 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.
If you purchase a site license, you are permitted to install and use of programs and worksheets throughout an organization or school building, whichever is smaller. Purchase orders are accepted. (Please see requirements for use of purchase orders and more info on site licenses on the order page.)