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Handwriting Progression

Blonde girl practicing cursive writing on paper

Early in 2026, Governor Shapiro signed a new bipartisan law (Act 2 of 2026) mandating that all Pennsylvania schools incorporate printing and cursive handwriting into their elementary curriculums.

Studies show that handwriting—particularly cursive—activates vital brain networks tied to working memory, fine motor planning, and language fluency. It also ensures our students can read foundational historical documents and confidently sign their own names on legal documents down the road.

We utilize the McGraw Hill Reading Wonders Handwriting Manual to tie handwriting instruction directly to what students are learning in reading and phonics. Our strategy focuses on a clear, year-by-year progression:

  • Kindergarten & 1st Grade: Laying the groundwork with fundamental manuscript strokes, proper posture, pencil grip, and structural spacing.
  • 2nd Grade: Building print stamina while introducing the rhythmic, continuous loops that prepare the hand for cursive.
  • 3rd Grade: Transitioning fully into cursive letters, connecting joins, and fluent sentence writing.

Please download a visually friendly K–3 Handwriting Progression Flyer so you can see exactly what your child will be focusing on this year, along with simple tips to support their practice at home.
Thank you for partnering with us to build strong, capable, and confident writers!

For more information, download the letter formation guide for your child's grade:

Kindergarten- Letter Formations
First Grade- Letter Formations
Second Grade- Letter Formations
Third Grade- Letter Formations