Handwriting Without Tears

At Evans Literacy Associates, we believe that strong literacy skills begin with a solid foundation in writing—and that includes handwriting. That’s why we use the Handwriting Without Tears® program, a research-backed, developmentally appropriate approach that helps students build legible and efficient handwriting skills with confidence. This program is offered to students, regardless of assessment results, who struggle with writing or even those who don't mind writing but have poor handwriting.

What is Handwriting Without Tears?

Handwriting Without Tears is a multi-sensory, structured, and engaging handwriting program designed to make learning to write easy and enjoyable for all students. Developed by occupational therapists, it focuses on simple, effective strategies to eliminate frustration and create success for young writers.

Why We Use Handwriting Without Tears

1. Research-Based & Developmentally Appropriate

Many handwriting programs force young learners into rigid, complicated writing structures before they are developmentally ready. Handwriting Without Tears meets students where they are, using a step-by-step progression that aligns with how children naturally develop fine motor and visual-motor coordination.

2. Multisensory & Engaging

Learning to write should be fun, not frustrating! The HWT approach uses a variety of hands-on, interactive strategies, including:

Wooden letter pieces for hands-on letter formation
Music and movement to reinforce concepts
Sensory materials like chalkboards and playdough for muscle memory
Simple, clear verbal cues to make letter formation easy to remember

3. Helps Students Who Struggle with Writing

For many children, writing can feel overwhelming. Whether they have dyslexia, dysgraphia, fine motor delays, or general writing difficulties, Handwriting Without Tears provides the support they need to develop automaticity and confidence in their handwriting.

4. Builds the Foundation for Strong Literacy Skills

Handwriting is more than just pen and paper—it’s a critical skill linked to reading, spelling, and written expression. Research shows that children who develop legible, fluent handwriting early are more likely to become strong readers and writers. By making handwriting instruction simple, clear, and stress-free, we help students focus on content, not just mechanics.

5. Used by Schools & Therapists Nationwide

Handwriting Without Tears is trusted by teachers, occupational therapists, and literacy specialists across the country. It is designed to work in one-on-one instruction, small groups, or classroom settings, making it a versatile tool for developing essential handwriting skills.

Who Can Benefit from Handwriting Without Tears?

This program is ideal for:
✏️ Preschool & elementary students learning to write for the first time
✏️ Students with dyslexia or dysgraphia who need structured support
✏️ Children who struggle with pencil grip, letter formation, or writing speed
✏️ Older students needing handwriting intervention to improve legibility and fluency

How We Use Handwriting Without Tears at Evans Literacy Associates

At Evans Literacy Associates, we integrate Handwriting Without Tears into our literacy instruction to reinforce writing skills in a stress-free, engaging way. We provide:

One-on-one handwriting support (in addition to dyslexia therapy or tutoring services, or offered as a stand-alone service)
Multisensory instruction tailored to each child’s needs
A focus on confidence-building, so students enjoy writing, not dread it

Handwriting doesn’t have to be a struggle. With the right support, every child can become a confident, fluent writer. If your child is experiencing difficulty with handwriting, we’re here to help!