Zaner-Bloser Develops Digital Tools to Engage Children in Handwriting

COLUMBUS, Ohio, Jan. 20, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- To celebrate National Handwriting Day, Zaner-Bloser is announcing new digital tools to engage children in handwriting through technology. The tools range from multimedia instruction, online resources and handwriting apps that are coming to iTunes® soon.

As the nation's leader in research-based handwriting instruction for more than 120 years, Zaner-Bloser has developed Digital Resources for Handwriting. These rich multimedia lessons with animations show letter and numeral formation, instructional vides on legibility and other subjects, and fun interactive letter activities. This engaging tool is compatible with any interactive whiteboard.

ZB FontsOnline Plus™ brings the popular free online resource ZB FontsOnline® to a new level with an enhanced activity worksheet generating the most frequently requested templates, such as Story and Writing Paper with grade-specific guidelines, Vocabulary and Spelling Worksheets, certificates, class charts, class schedules and class newsletters. The new version has a "save" feature and the ability to import and embed images. The Spanish Palette creates bilingual classroom worksheets.

Coming soon are Zaner-Bloser Manuscript and Cursive Handwriting Apps, which will help teachers and parents develop and support young children's handwriting.

"These digital tools are a great way to engage young children in handwriting – one letter at time. They are helpful to both parents and teachers in PreK, Kindergarten and the primary grades. Having legible handwriting and the ability to write with ease are important skills for children in today's world of high-stakes testing that includes handwritten responses," said Zaner-Bloser President Bob Page.

The announcement coincides with National Handwriting Day, an annual celebration that acknowledges the importance of handwriting by commemorating the birthday of John Hancock on January 23.

About Zaner-Bloser

Zaner-Bloser, a division of Highlights for Children with more than 120 years of experience in education, is one of the premier publishers of research-based reading, writing, spelling, vocabulary, and handwriting programs. The Zaner-Bloser mission is to create and sell high-quality, dynamic, and appealing educational programs and services. Zaner-Bloser focuses on distinctive programs that inspire all students to become engaged, literate citizens.

SOURCE Zaner-Bloser