Featured Reviews

The Character Italics program offers a series of three copybooks that complement the Getty-Dubay Italics Series font (GDI) of the Portland State University; the GDI font is used with permission. The three levels include Level I Basic Print (for use with GDI books B or C); Level II Beginning Cursive (GDI books C, D, or E); and Level III Advanced Cursive (GDI books E, F, G, and beyond). These copybooks allow students to practice and develop their italic handwriting skills while investing some time learning about character traits, such as obedience, humility, and contentment. The price of each book is $14.95. You may order books from the website.

The exercises in the Level 1 copybook focus on 18 character traits. For each character trait, the exercises follow a similar pattern: a dictionary definition of the trait, a sentence definition, and quotations from well-known historical figures and sources. Examples include Aristotle, John Calvin, Helen Keller, and the Bible. Within each character trait section, there is also one or more complete-the-sentence opportunities (e.g., "Today I can show obedience by...").

Each exercise contains two tasks. On the student's first pass with the selection, he can trace the words and then copy them line by line; the second time, he must copy the entire selection after reading it. The spaces that students write in have a clear baseline, waistline, and ascender/capital line. The authors suggest either completing each exercise in two sessions, or working through the book completing the first part of the exercise and then going back to the beginning and working through the second part of each exercise. The book contains 126 exercises.

I love this resource and plan on using it with my first-grader next fall. There are not many copybook resources that use the GDI font, and I appreciate the quality of the author and quotation sources with which he will be spending time. For those interested in only secular sources, Italics Builders does make available public school versions of the copybooks that do not contain any Biblical references. I think the $14.95 price is fair, given that the book gathers a pleasing variety of high-quality quotations. There is ample space for the student's writing, and the paper is thicker than the paper we use in our printer. It will hold up to an eraser quite well.

Old Schoolhouse Magizine Spring 2009

Are you using italic-style cursive in your homeschool? Do you want an easy way to incorporate handwriting practice, character study, and copywork? Character Italics could very well be the answer.

Using Getty-Dubay Italic Handwriting as starting point, the authors (two homeschooling moms) have put together a series of spiral-bound, "lay-flat" workbooks for children to practice handwriting and learn character traits at the same time.

In the front of the book is a cursive italic alphabet for reference. The directional arrows and numbered steps are difficult to read due to the small font size and the close proximity to the actual letter strokes.

Character trait definitions from Noah Webster's American Dictionary of the English Language (1828) are on the facing page. These are the 12 traits listed and defined in Book A: obedience, joyfulness, truthfulness, attentiveness, love, loyalty, patience, determination, virtue, forgiveness, humility, and responsibility. The 12 character traits in Book B are: self-control, diligence, gratefulness, compassion, bravery, hospitality, contentment, gentleness, wisdom, thriftiness, justice, and generosity. Because of the source, some of the definitions are difficult to understand. My ten-year-old had trouble with this one, for example: "Obedience--compliance with a command, prohibition or known law and rule of duty prescribed."

For each character trait, there is a definition to copy, a sentence describing the trait, and a personal application question for the child to answer in cursive. Following that there are several numbered quotations to copy. Many of these are taken from the Bible. These are printed twice, once to be traced (if desired) and then copied line by line. The second time, the section is to be copied after reading the entire selection.

The books I received for review are considered Advanced Cursive (font size 22). It doesn't say, but I think it would be appropriate for grades 4 and up. A third grader could use it, but it would be a challenge due to the size.

Classical homeschoolers will love the choice of people quoted: Aristotle, Plutarch, Sophocles, Cicero, Homer, Isaac Watts, Martin Luther, and John Calvin to name a few, as well as several United States presidents and other famous Americans.

Since the passages use sophisticated vocabulary, this would be an excellent choice for an older child who needs handwriting practice but would be insulted by babyish copywork.

Even if you don't use the italic style of cursive in your homeschool, I think you will like the choice of fine copywork presented in Character Italics.

Old Schoolhouse Magizine Spring 2009

Years ago when I started homeschooling, I used one of the major curriculum's handwriting program that is available. My oldest daughter did fine with it, but my 2 boys struggled with trying to have clear, legible handwriting. I came across the "Italics" handwriting and to my amazement their handwriting drastically improved. The flow of the letters made it easier for them to write and even gave them confidence to write more. I have continued to use it with the rest of my children and even my younger girls, because it produces such great results.

Robin ~ Oklahoma

Even though I work on computers, I understand the value of good communication skills that handwriting provides. I am thankful that I learned this style for present and future endeavors where it is an important asset.

Chase - Web technician and site designer

I enjoy handwriting and especially when my handwriting looks nice. My Mom has taught us using the Italics Handwriting program. We just keep reviewing the books until she fills we have mastered good handwriting skills.

Autumn

I like to write and I am thankful for the Italics Handwriting to help me write better.

Kady

I have used the Getty-Dubay Italic Handwriting Series for nine years with five of my children and am thrilled with the precision and easy to read style they have learned. Each child has beautiful legible handwriting, each with their own personality, but distinctly Italic in form. After seeing the results, I started practicing my own handwriting the GDI way right along side of them!

Wendy ~ California, a homeschool parent

My handwriting looks a lot better when I use Italics.

Macy ~ Age 9