Handwriting

With regards to handwriting, we intend for pupils to be able to plan, revise and evaluate their writing. To be able to do this effectively, pupils will focus on developing effective transcription and effective composition. They will also develop an awareness of the audience, purpose and context, and an increasingly wide knowledge of vocabulary and grammar. We also intend for pupils to leave school being able to use fluent, legible and speedy handwriting.

Newton Ferrers Progression in Handwriting skills

Foundation Stage

 · To sit correctly at a table and use a comfortable and efficient pencil grip

· To write from left to right

· To write letters with the correct sequence of movements

· To begin to form letters of regular size and shape

· To develop an awareness of putting spaces between letters and words

 · To use correct letter formation for familiar words

Year 1

 · To put regular spaces between letters and words

· To form lower case letters of regular size and shape, starting and finishing in the right place

· To practise handwriting in conjunction with spelling and begin to join digraphs / trigraphs when they are introduced

· To practise writing on lines with descenders and ascenders correctly placed

· To form capital letters correctly

· To form digits 0-9 correctly

· To understand which letters belong to which handwriting ‘families’ (i.e. letters that are formed in similar ways) and to practise these

Year 2

· To form lower case letters of the correct size relative to one another

· To practise handwriting in conjunction with the phonic and spelling patterns

· To practise using the horizontal and diagonal strokes to join handwriting joins using four line handwriting paper.

· To write capital letters and digits of the correct size, orientation and relationship to one another and to lower case letters

· To consistently use spacing between words that reflects the size of the letters

Year 3

· To ensure consistency in size and proportions of letters and the spacing between the letters and words

· To practise correct formation of basic joins from the use of the four basic handwriting joins from year 2

· To build up handwriting speed, fluency and legibility through practice

· To transfer writing skills from pencil to pen (if pen licence is earnt)

Year 4

· To use joined handwriting for all writing except when other special forms are required

· To know when to use a clear neat hand for finished presented work or informal writing for every day work eg. drafting

· To establish a good pace when writing

· To use a range of presentation skills

Year 5

· To employ handwriting that is consistent and fluent

· To ensure that overall, handwriting is regular with some flow and movement

Year 6

 · To write legibly and fluently in a sustained piece of writing

 · To use handwriting that maintains a personal style to engage the reader