Joined Handwriting

At the start of their time at Berkswich CE, the children focus on printed letters and excellent pencil grip. These provide the foundation for correct formation and also support phonics and reading at this stage.

From the Summer Term in Year Two, children learn to join using a cursive  script. This helps the children to remember the starting points, as each letter starts on the line (except for capital letters). It helps the children to avoid letter reversals and makes the gaps between words clearer. In addition, joining aids spelling through muscle memory whereby children learn the feel of certain digraphs (like 'igh') or spellings. Research shows that handwriting has greater benefits in regards to good spelling, than using a keyboard alone. 

Letter Families

Many letters can be grouped into different families. This helps the children with their formation.

• 'c-letters'

All 'c' letters start off by forming the letter 'c' first. They start at the line and curve up and over to about 2 o'clock, before curving back around.

• 'n-letters'

All 'n' letters start off by starting to form the letter 'n' first. From the line, diagonally up and then go straight down and back up and over. 

• 'l-letters'

All letters start on the line and travel up and then down again. 

• Other letters

Some letters do not fit into these groups. 

Tall letters, Half-way Letters and Tail Letters 

Using sky, grass and ground guidelines help the children to distinguish between these three different heights of letters. 

Capital Letters

All letters sit on the line and never join. They do not have a lead in. Watch out for common mistakes. Children often accidentally sit J, G and P on the line.

For more advice or support, please speak to your child's teacher or to our SENDCo. If your child find handwriting challenging or they need support in making progress, your child's teacher will speak with you and we can offer useful tips and supply aids to improve handwriting further.