Wanting to teach their kids the Getty-Dubay style of italic handwriting, yet wanting worktexts that reflected Christian virtue, Martine Cox and Wendy Shaw developed a number of workbooks to do just that. Obtaining permission from the authors of the Getty-Dubay books to imitate the style, Cox and Shaw's books are designed for use in conjunction with the other series. They are practice texts (as opposed to textbooks that actually teach the style) in which students copy Bible verses and famous quotes that reflect important morals and virtues.

How Do These Work?

Each book is to be used after its Getty-Dubay corrolary has been completed. For instance, after finishing Italic Handwriting B, students are ready for Character Italic - Basic Print, etc. These are simply copy books. Students copy the printed lines in the space provided, matching their own script to what they see. The methodology for actually putting the words on paper is not included here—they will need to complete the appropriate level Getty-Dubay book beforehand.

Each of the Character Italic books contain quotes from the Bible and famous historical figures relating to good character and virtue; Bible references are included beside Scripture passages. A public school version of each of the texts is also available, in which references are not included beside Bible verses—instead they are attributed to famous people who quoted them. The Science Italic book is set up similarly, but instead of quotes students copy important basic science facts and laws.

Our Honest Opinion:

These are good supplements, though a bit pricey for what you get. There isn't a lot of room for kids to write their work, and while this helps make them more disciplined writers it can also lead to a lot of frustration. It wouldn't be too big of a stretch to just find Bible verses you like and have your kids write them in the appropriate script for practice without spending money on extra books. Still, the paper is excellent quality, and sometimes having an actual book to work in is more of a motivation to kids than just handing them a piece of paper and telling them to get busy.