Zaner-Bloser Handwriting
A traditional K–6 handwriting program that teaches manuscript in grades K–2 and cursive from grade 2C, using short three-step lessons and four Keys to Legibility: shape, size, spacing and slant. Homeschoolers can buy grade-level student packages.
What is Zaner-Bloser Handwriting?
Zaner-Bloser Handwriting is a K–6 handwriting curriculum from Zaner-Bloser, a long-time US school publisher. It teaches manuscript (print) in kindergarten through grade 2 and cursive from grade 2 or 3 through grade 6. Everything is built around four Keys to Legibility: shape, size, spacing and slant. Students learn to check their own letters against those keys instead of waiting for an adult to mark them.
How it works
Each lesson follows three steps and is designed to take about 15 minutes a day:
- Model. Watch the letter formed, in the book or through a QR code that opens an animated model or how-to video.
- Practice. Trace and write the letter, then words and sentences.
- Evaluate. Circle your best letter and check it against a Key to Legibility.
The Homeschool Student Package adds 20 dry-erase activity cards on a ring. They give fine-motor practice that gets harder as you go, and each card links to a short video. You will need your own dry-erase marker. Parents mostly demonstrate, watch grip and posture, and give feedback. The Student Edition carries the lesson itself.
What it covers
| Book | Grade | Style |
|---|---|---|
| K | Kindergarten | Manuscript readiness and letters |
| 1 | 1st | Manuscript letters, words, sentences |
| 2M | 2nd | Manuscript fluency |
| 2C | 2nd | Cursive introduction |
| 3–6 | 3rd–6th | Cursive, review, speed and legibility |
Grade 2 is a choice. Pick 2M if you want another year of print, or 2C to start cursive early. Zaner-Bloser also makes a Spanish edition, La escritura, and a PreK readiness book, ABC 123 Just for Me!
Who it's best for
Zaner-Bloser suits families who want traditional, school-style handwriting and a predictable daily routine. It works well for kids who can sit for short, focused practice. If your child has fine-motor delays or gets frustrated easily, Handwriting Without Tears uses simpler letterforms and more hands-on tools. Our Handwriting Without Tears vs Zaner-Bloser comparison lays out the trade-offs.
Pricing at a glance
On Zaner-Bloser's store as of October 2026, a Homeschool Student Package is $59.27 retail per grade. A Student Edition alone is $19.87, and the optional Teacher Edition is $147.73. Each child needs their own student book.
Can a scholarship or ESA pay for it?
Handwriting curriculum is a common allowable expense in education savings account programs. Zaner-Bloser's store says its products are pre-approved in programs in Alabama, Arizona, New Hampshire, South Carolina and Texas. Always confirm with your program. See Arizona's ESA, Texas education savings accounts or all scholarships and ESAs by state. Save Zaner-Bloser to your Edulist wishlist, and you can apply once to the programs that fit.
How it compares
- Handwriting Without Tears uses vertical, simplified letters and multisensory tools.
- Learning Without Tears is the company behind Handwriting Without Tears, with digital tools and early-learning materials.
- Want free practice pages? Try the name tracing generator.
Browse more handwriting programs, kindergarten handwriting and elementary handwriting curriculum.
Who Zaner-Bloser Handwriting is for (and who it isn’t)
Best for
- Families who want a traditional, school-style print-to-cursive sequence
- Kids who do well with short, daily practice
- Parents who want built-in self-checks so kids judge their own writing
- Families planning to start cursive around 2nd or 3rd grade
Look elsewhere if
- Children with significant fine-motor delays who need a more multisensory approach
- Families who want a very simple, low-cost workbook
- Parents who want a homeschool-first website and support
Zaner-Bloser Handwriting pros and cons
Pros
- Clear letter models with a consistent grade-by-grade path
- Lessons take about 15 minutes
- Keys to Legibility teach kids to check their own work
- QR-linked animated letter models help parents demonstrate strokes
- Spanish edition available
Cons
- Website and pricing are aimed at schools; homeschool items can be hard to find
- Teacher Editions are expensive at $147.73 retail
- Homeschool store carries the 2020 edition, not the newer 2025 school edition
- Traditional letterforms can be harder than simplified styles for struggling writers
What’s included
- Grades K–6: manuscript in K, 1 and 2M; cursive in 2C through 6
- Three-step lessons designed for about 15 minutes a day
- Four Keys to Legibility: shape, size, spacing and slant
- Student self-evaluation on every page
- QR codes link to animated letter models and how-to videos
- Homeschool Student Package with 20 dry-erase activity cards
Zaner-Bloser Handwriting levels
| Level | Grades | What it covers |
|---|---|---|
| Kindergarten | Kindergarten | Manuscript readiness and letter formation with simple strokes. |
| Grade 1 | Grade 1 | Full manuscript alphabet, words and sentences, with self-evaluation. |
| Grade 2M | Grade 2 | Manuscript review and fluency for families waiting on cursive. |
| Grade 2C | Grade 2 | Introduces cursive letters and joins for families starting cursive in 2nd grade. |
| Grades 3–6 | 3–6 | Cursive instruction, review and speed, with writing practice across subjects. |
How much does Zaner-Bloser Handwriting cost?
Zaner-Bloser's homeschool collection sells the 2020 edition by grade. As of October 2026, a Homeschool Student Package (Student Edition plus 20 dry-erase activity cards on a ring) is $59.27 retail for grades 1–5, a Student Edition alone is $19.87, and a Teacher Edition is $147.73. School accounts see lower prices.
| Plan | Price | Billed | Per month |
|---|---|---|---|
| Homeschool Student Package, one grade (retail) | $59.27 | One-time | — |
| Student Edition, one grade (retail) | $19.87 | One-time | — |
| Teacher Edition, one grade (retail) | $147.73 | One-time | — |
Free trial: No free trial. Sample lessons are on the Zaner-Bloser site.
Prices from the provider, checked 2026-10-13. Always confirm on the official site.
Future opening updates
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Zaner-Bloser Handwriting FAQs
When does Zaner-Bloser start cursive?
Cursive can start in grade 2. Zaner-Bloser offers two grade 2 books: 2M continues manuscript and 2C begins cursive. Cursive continues through grade 6.
Can homeschoolers buy Zaner-Bloser Handwriting?
Yes. Zaner-Bloser's online store has a Homeschool Collection with grade-level Homeschool Student Packages, Student Editions and Teacher Editions. Homeschool retailers such as Rainbow Resource also carry it.
Do I need the Teacher Edition?
It is optional for many homeschoolers. The Student Edition includes letter models, self-checks and QR-linked letter videos. The Teacher Edition adds teaching notes, differentiation and evaluation tips, and costs $147.73 retail.
How long is a Zaner-Bloser lesson?
Zaner-Bloser designs its three-step lessons to take about 15 minutes a day.
Is Zaner-Bloser the same as Handwriting Without Tears?
No. They are different publishers with different letter styles and methods. Handwriting Without Tears uses simpler vertical letters and multisensory tools, while Zaner-Bloser teaches traditional letterforms with slant as one of its Keys to Legibility.
Can ESA money pay for Zaner-Bloser?
Often. Zaner-Bloser says its store products are pre-approved in several state ESA programs, but rules change, so check with your program. Save it to your Edulist wishlist to apply once.
Sources and last checked
Checked 2026-10-13 against these sources:
- zaner-bloser.com · handwriting
- zaner-bloser.com · index
- shop.zaner-bloser.com · homeschool collection
- shop.zaner-bloser.com · program handwriting
- shop.zaner-bloser.com · hw 2020 gr1 home school student package
- shop.zaner-bloser.com · zaner bloser handwriting 2025
- rainbowresource.com · zaner bloser handwriting