Handwritting Lessons with Calligraphy

So, I was visiting my Cousin's on Sunday and heard it mentioned that their kiddos (aged 9-13) were going to have to practice their handwriting over Christmas Break. I got to thinking about it and came up with the following idea.

1. Check out some books from the library, including ones with beautiful Plates of calligraphy.
2. Print out some instructions (here are a few I found online 42 Explore, Calligraphers, Online Lessons, GREAT ONLINE LESSONS, Ideas & Examples, and a Reference Directory to More Sites).
3. Print out some lined pages.
4. Give them some Calligraphy Pens.
5. Let them have fun "playing" with the fancy pens.
6. Get some card stock.
7. Cut the card stock into 8 1/2" x 5 1/2" sheets.
8. Fold the card stock into 4 1/4" x 5 1/2" cards.
9. Let them write "Thank You" in several languages, then use these as cards for gifts received. (Using different languages allows for different letters to be practiced.)
10. Write Thank You according to the heritage of the recipient (a little Genealogy and World History thrown into the mix).
11. Allow them to embellish their cards according to their artistic interest.
12. Encourage them to write out favorite poems, sayings, or verses (these can make beautiful framed gifts when enough time is put into them!)
    

Total cost - under $5 for pens and card stock.

There you go. My Handwriting and Art Lesson Plan all sneakily rolled into making hand-made Thank You cards!