Teaching Children to Write Book 5 (1982) – Tom Gourdie MBE

This original 1982 edition of Teaching Children to Write – Book 5: The Styles of Handwriting by Tom Gourdie, MBE is a valuable resource for teachers, parents, and anyone interested in handwriting development. Part of Gourdie’s respected educational series, this volume focuses on handwriting styles, letter formation, and practical methods for helping children achieve clear, confident, and consistent writing.

Tom Gourdie was one of Britain’s leading handwriting experts, known for his influential work in improving penmanship in schools throughout the mid‑20th century. This book reflects his clear, structured teaching approach, offering guidance, examples, and exercises designed to support both classroom instruction and home learning.

A useful reference for educators, vintage education collectors, and those interested in the history of handwriting teaching methods.

Tom Gourdie and the Evolution of Handwriting Education

Tom Gourdie (1913–2005) played a major role in shaping modern handwriting instruction in the UK. At a time when schools were transitioning from traditional copperplate to more practical, streamlined writing styles, Gourdie championed clarity, legibility, and efficient pen control. His books were widely adopted in British classrooms throughout the 1960s, 70s, and 80s, influencing generations of teachers and pupils.

By 1982, handwriting education was undergoing further change as new teaching philosophies emerged, yet Gourdie’s structured, disciplined approach remained highly respected. Today, his books are valued both as practical teaching tools and as historical documents reflecting the evolution of handwriting pedagogy