Self-evaluation is most valuable, for in order to evaluate one's own work, one must first understand the correct principle and be able to apply it. This visual reinforcement of incorrect letterforms, even by a conscientious teacher with the best intentions, is counterproductive. A better approach would be to select those letters which are formed best and indicate that they are models of the way the letters should be made. If nowhere on the page is a letter written correctly, provide the correct letter model. Avoid using a single letter grade whenever possible.
Comments indicating strengths and weaknesses are preferred.
Use a simple checklist which encompasses the keys to legible handwriting. Differences in evaluation could be discussed to determine which keys need more concentrated work. The major criterion for evaluating manuscript writing is legibility. Beginning writers do not have the muscle control to form letters using vertical lines, horizontal lines, circles and parts of circles as well as they will later. One means by which manuscript writing can be evaluated is to compare an example by a student with samples of writing by other students of the same approximate age.