Driving Letters

Name: Driving Letters
Brand: Driving Lettershttps://drivingletters.com/

by Driving Lettershttps://drivingletters.com/

ElaGrades Pre-K–1

Driving Letters: Playful Letter Formation Program for Early Writers

Driving Letters is a creative handwriting curriculum for Pre-K–1 that uses a car-driving theme to teach lowercase letter formation. The program divides letters into three 'driving clubs' based on their position on lined paper and includes a storybook, practice worksheets, games, and activities.

Best for

Pre-K and kindergarten teachers seeking a creative, game-based approach to handwriting instruction, particularly for children who struggle with traditional letter formation methods

Evaluation Criteria

1 strength · 3 concerns · 4 neutral · 1 insufficient evidence

Direct InstructionStrength

The curriculum provides explicit instruction in letter formation with clear visual models and step-by-step guidance.

Features full-page sheets with Start, Stop, and Pause signals, arrows and dotted lines showing proper formation, and specific instructions for each letter

Knowledge RichConcern

This is primarily a handwriting skills program with minimal domain knowledge building beyond basic letter formation concepts.

Focuses specifically on letter formation and handwriting mechanics using a car theme, with no evidence of systematic knowledge building across academic domains

Systematic PhonicsConcern

The curriculum does not include phonics instruction, focusing solely on letter formation rather than letter-sound relationships.

Described as teaching 'proper letter formation' and 'writing properly on lines' with no mention of phonics, letter sounds, or decoding instruction

Vocabulary BuildingConcern

Vocabulary instruction is not a component of this handwriting-focused curriculum.

No mention of vocabulary instruction or word knowledge development in the curriculum description or activities

Teacher TrainingNeutral

The curriculum provides instructional guidance but limited professional development for teachers.

Includes simple instructions for games and activities, rubrics for tracking mastery, and detailed record-keeping materials, but no comprehensive teacher training described

Retrieval PracticeNeutral

The curriculum includes some practice activities and games but limited evidence of systematic retrieval practice or spaced review.

Includes practice worksheets, sorting games, and movement activities, plus progress tracking charts, but no clear spaced review system described

Writing InstructionNeutral

The program provides structured instruction in letter formation and proper positioning on lined paper, but does not address composition or other writing skills.

Includes systematic letter formation instruction with arrows, dotted lines, practice worksheets, and clear visual signals for proper letter formation

Whole Books Vs ExcerptsNeutral

The curriculum includes one complete 20-page picture book, 'Little Ricky and the Driving Letters,' which serves as the foundation for the program.

Features a complete picture book available as PDF, through Kindle Unlimited, and in print that teaches the driving clubs concept through an illustrated story

Text ComplexityInsufficient Evidence

Text complexity is not applicable as this is a handwriting curriculum with minimal reading components.

Program centers on a single picture book for young children and focuses on letter formation rather than reading comprehension

Sources: cathyduffyreviews.com