Handwriting
Key Curriculum Information
Our Handwriting Curriculum Progression shows how pupils develop the physical foundations, letter formation, control, consistency and fluency needed for handwriting from Nursery to Year 2.Handwriting Curriculum Progression
Handwriting at Woodlands
Fluent, legible handwriting helps pupils communicate their ideas clearly and confidently. Our aim is for pupils to develop accurate letter formation that becomes increasingly automatic, allowing them to concentrate on spelling, vocabulary and composition.
Handwriting is taught explicitly and progressively from Reception, alongside regular opportunities to apply it across the curriculum. Our approach is supported by the Little Wandle Handwriting Programme.
Handwriting in Nursery
In Nursery, the priority is to develop the physical foundations pupils need for writing.
Through play and carefully planned activities, pupils develop:
- core strength, balance and coordination
- shoulder, arm and wrist stability
- hand strength and finger control
- bilateral coordination and the ability to cross the midline
- confidence in using a range of mark-making tools
- control of the lines, circles, curves and patterns that underpin later letter formation
Pupils enjoy purposeful mark-making and begin to give meaning to the marks they create. Formal letter formation is introduced only when an individual pupil is developmentally ready.
Handwriting in Reception
In Reception, pupils receive regular, explicit handwriting teaching in addition to forming letters during their daily phonics lessons.
They begin by developing the movements and patterns needed for writing before learning to form lower-case letters in groups with similar formation. These are known as letter families.
Pupils are taught:
- where each letter begins
- the correct direction of movement
- where each letter finishes
- an effective pencil grip
- a comfortable writing posture
- how to position their paper
- how to form lower-case and capital letters accurately
Teaching is carefully modelled and pupils have frequent, short opportunities to practise so that correct formation becomes increasingly secure and automatic. The Writing Framework recommends explicit, cumulative teaching that is demonstrated by an adult and consolidated before pupils move on.
Handwriting in Year 1
In Year 1, pupils consolidate the accurate formation of all lower-case letters, capital letters and digits.
They develop increasing consistency in:
- starting and finishing letters correctly
- letter size and orientation
- placing letters accurately on the line
- forming clear ascenders and descenders
- spacing words appropriately
- maintaining a comfortable pencil grip and posture
- writing with increasing fluency and control
Pupils continue to use unjoined handwriting while secure habits, accuracy and automaticity are established.
Handwriting in Year 2
In Year 2, pupils continue to improve the size, orientation, spacing and consistency of their handwriting.
Once pupils can form unjoined letters correctly and consistently, they begin to learn some of the diagonal and horizontal strokes needed to join letters. They are also taught that some combinations of letters are best left unjoined.
Joining is introduced gradually and only when it supports fluent, legible writing. The priority remains clear, accurate and increasingly automatic handwriting rather than joining every letter.
Supporting handwriting at home
Short, carefully supported practice is more valuable than completing large numbers of worksheets.
You can help your child by:
- encouraging a comfortable sitting position
- ensuring that both feet are supported where possible
- helping them position their paper appropriately
- encouraging a comfortable pencil grip without holding the pencil too tightly
- using the same letter-formation phrases taught in school
- practising a small number of letters at a time
- praising accurate formation rather than expecting speed
- stopping and correcting a letter before an incorrect movement becomes habitual
Please do not encourage your child to join letters before their teacher has introduced this.
Letter formation resources
Letter formation practice sheets - phase 2
Letter formation practice sheets - phase 2b
