Handwriting
Early Letter Formation
Children in Early Years and Key Stage One are taught to form their letters using the guide below as part of our Read, Write Inc. phonics scheme. This includes a picture and a phrase or rhyme for each letter, which children remember and use when learning to form the letters themselves.
Please see the images of the letters and pictures below, along with a guide to how the letters are correctly formed.
Correct early letter formation is essential in supporting later joined handwriting, which is taught from Year 2 onwards.
Handwriting
We follow the Read Write Inc. (RWI) Handwriting scheme to support children in developing clear, fluent, and confident handwriting. The scheme links closely with phonics, so children learn to say the sounds while writing the corresponding letters.
At this stage, all letters should be consistent and regular, before children begin to join them together. They should also be accurately sized and orientated, as follows:
- Small letters (a,c,e,i,m,n,o,s,u,v,w,x,z) should be the same size as each other, and should all sit on the line
- Ascenders: 'Tall' letters should stand up 'tall and proud' from the line (b,d,h,k,l, t)
- Descenders: 'Dangly' letters should sit on the line with their 'tail' dangling down below the line (f,g,j,p,q,y)
What is Read Write Inc. Handwriting?
The programme teaches children to:
Form each letter correctly using simple rhymes.
Develop pencil control and good posture for writing.
Write letters, words, and sentences fluently as their confidence grows.
Build stamina for writing through regular practice.
How You Can Help at Home
Encourage the correct grip and posture:
Pencil held comfortably between thumb and two fingers.
Paper tilted slightly, with the other hand holding it steady.
Sit up straight with feet flat on the floor.
Use the letter formation rhymes:
Each sound/letter has a short rhyme to help children remember how to form it (e.g. “m – Maisie, mountain, mountain”).
Say the rhyme as your child writes the letter.
Practice little and often:
Short bursts of writing practice are best.
Use whiteboards, chalk, or even writing in the air to keep it fun.
Celebrate neatness and effort:
Praise your child for careful letter shapes, even if they are still learning.
Remind them that handwriting gets better with practice.
Key Tips
Focus on correct letter formation before speed.
Link handwriting to phonics – say the sound as you write it.
Keep practice fun and positive.
Useful Links
You can find guidance and resources for parents on the Ruth Miskin website.
If you have any questions about supporting your child’s handwriting at home, please speak to your child’s class teacher.
Joined Handwriting
As children progress through the Read Write Inc. Handwriting scheme, they begin to learn joined (cursive) handwriting. This helps them write more fluently and quickly, and supports accurate spelling.
Why do we teach joined handwriting?
Fluency: joining letters makes writing smoother and faster.
Accuracy: it helps children keep letters in the right order, especially when spelling longer words.
Consistency: letters are formed and linked in a clear, regular style.
Confidence: children are proud of their neat, joined writing.
When do children start joining?
Once children are secure with correct letter formation and size, they move on to joining.
Children are introduced to ‘special joins’ (e.g. diagonal and horizontal joins) in a structured way, beginning with the most common letter patterns.
How You Can Help at Home
Encourage neat, well-formed letters first – joining is only successful when children can already write letters correctly.
Support pencil control and posture – correct pencil grip, sitting upright, and using the non-writing hand to steady the paper.
Say the sounds and rhymes – continue using the RWI formation phrases as your child writes.
Practice joining in short bursts – focus on one or two joins at a time (e.g. ai, oi, th).
Model joined writing – write a short word for your child and let them copy.
Keep it fun – use chalk, whiteboards, sand, or even finger-paint to practise flowing movements.
Key Tips
Praise careful joins rather than speed.
Encourage your child to keep letters on the line.
Revisit tricky joins regularly.
Remind children that neatness matters more than rushing.
