The first icon, the up and down arrows, help students to focus on whether the letter is placed on the correct line. Teachers will discuss the place where the letter should sit – just as students sit on their chairs, letters have places to sit on the lines. When teaching letters, teachers will use the oral directions provided in their own handwriting systems and incorporate the same words in PAWS. For example, one handwriting curriculum talks about strokes such as tall down, small down, roll around, etc. When students learn to coach, the teacher will remind students of where the letter should sit, and then decide if the written letter is too high, too low, or in the right position. Students are taught hand motions for each of these so that they are engaged during the I DO part of the lesson. For too high, students point up; for too low, point down; just right is folded hands.

Thumbs-up

The thumbs up icon can only be circled when no other circles are made. This means that the letter is made correctly. Again, remember that the coach must process through the icons from left to right, checking each one, before giving a thumbs up.