Handwriting Without Tears

When I went to a Great Homeschool Convention in Los Angeles, CA, I was so impressed when I saw the Handwriting Without Tears books.  I liked that their space for writing was smaller than what I've seen before.  I also liked that they have manipulatives! 

One thing I didn't like, however, was how their "B" looks.  I saw a video on their website demonstrating how they teach kids what the Upper Case B looks like.  I'll be blunt. It looks like someone squashed it with a rolling pin.  I wouldn't want Simone to write her B like that. 

So, I'm going to make my own manipulatives.  If I can do it under $32, which is what Handwriting Without Tears charges for just their uppercase letters, then I'll have come out ahead!  I'm going to get some foamcore at Michael's with the 40% coupon I received in the mail.  Then I'm headed to Home Depot for some 80 or 120 grit sandpaper.  I read in Talkers, Watchers, & Doers: Unlocking Your Child's Unique Learning Style that kids who are kinesthetic learners do better when the objects they're playing with have more texture. 

Wish me luck!