‘‘In recent years, my students have learned penmanship using Mrs. Pettinati’s four basic movements. At first, I was far from thinking that I could teach cursive writing by asking my students to draw! Yes, you read correctly, my students learn to write by drawing.

We trace loops that are transformed into a person or twist into a butterfly; undulating garlands that turn into waves or grass. We let our imagination run free and images appear! Then, gradually and subtly, words begin to appear to the great surprise of the children! In my students’ minds, they were simply drawing and now they are writing! This discovery is a real joy for them. This is clearly a highly motivating approach and I want to thank Mrs. Pettinati for developing it, to the great joy of the children.’’

Nancy Nadeau, teacher École Plein Soleil.