Learning is a Journey, Not a Race.
At Echo Childcare, we use the Handwriting Without Tears® program to help children build confidence, develop foundational writing skills, and experience success every step of the way.
Our Preschool Approach
We use the Handwriting Without Tears program as part of our daily preschool curriculum. This hands-on, multisensory approach helps children develop fine motor skills, letter recognition, phonological awareness, vocabulary, and early writing skills through engaging activities such as wood pieces, Roll-A-Doh, and Wet-Dry-Try. By combining explicit instruction with guided practice, children build the confidence and foundational skills needed for successful writing and literacy development.
Echo’s Preschool Philosophy
At Echo Childcare, handwriting is about more than learning to write letters—it is about building confidence, independence, and strong foundational literacy skills. We believe that learning is a journey, not a race, and focus on the process rather than the outcome, ensuring every child experiences success and develops a positive attitude toward learning.
Core Principles
At Echo Childcare, we believe learning should be positive, engaging, and free from unnecessary frustration. Children develop skills best when learning is hands-on, meaningful, and supported through play. We recognize that every child progresses at their own pace, and we provide step-by-step guidance that builds confidence, encourages success, and fosters a lifelong love of learning.
Handwriting Without Tears - Program Overview
Echo Childcare uses the Handwriting Without Tears (HWT) program to support early writing, fine motor development, and school readiness. This program is:
Research-based
Developmentally appropriate
Easy to teach and learn
Multisensory and hands-on
Our goal is to help children build confidence, correct habits, and a strong foundation for writing.
Daily Lesson Examples
Day 1 : Introduce (Wood/Plastic Pieces)
Warm-up (finger play with songs + movements)
Introduce stroke + uppercase (air writing) +sound with Jolly Phonics + its action
Teach at least 4 words (flashcards/objects)
Model with HWT verbal cues
Build letter (wood/plastic pieces)
Day 2: Explore (Roll-a-Doh)
Warm-up + review (stroke/letter/air writing)
Review the letter + sound + action using Jolly Phonics
Teach at least 4 words
Sensory exercise (Roll-a-Doh)
Guided practice
Day 3: Practice (Wet-Dry-Try)
Warm-up + review
Review uppercase + lowercase + sound using Jolly Phonics
Teach at least 4 words
Guided practice (Wet-Dry-Try)
Day 4: Apply (Chalkboard -HWT sizes)
Warm-up + review
Review letter + sound + action using Jolly Phonics
Teach at least 4 words
Teacher models, children imitate writing on chalkboards
Worksheet
Day 5 – Review & Assess
Review letter, stroke, sound (air writing)
Observe skills
Provide extra support
Worksheet
