At St. Peter’s the children will be taught to develop a neat, legible script through regular handwriting lessons from Reception to Year 6. It is our aim to provide a balanced and continuous teaching programme for handwriting.
Handwriting is initially taught alongside phonics, following the Read Write Inc, a literacy programme developed by Ruth Miskin. There are regular timetabled slots for handwriting to ensure that children build up their handwriting skills every day. Handwriting is a physical process and should be enjoyable from the start, so children see themselves as ‘writers’. We use mnemonics, memory pictures to help children visualise the letter or join before they write it down.
In stage 1, children will practise correct letter formation and they will learn where to place the letters on the writing line. In stage 2, Children learn a mature style of writing that will lead to joined-up writing. In stage 3, children will learn basic handwriting joins.
From year 1 onwards, children will also follow the Penpals scheme for handwriting. Penpals offers clear progression for handwriting through five developmental stages. It teaches children a fast and fluent handwriting style to help them achieve their potential in writing.
At St Peter’s, all children write in pen for English and other topic related writing as this supports children with developing writing fluency. A pen glides across the page, supports muscle memory improving spelling and ensures children apply appropriate and consistent pressure.
Handwriting position
Teach children that when you use the handwriting signal they automatically go into the perfect
handwriting position:
• feet flat on the floor
• bottom at the back of the chair
• body one fist from the table
• shoulders down and relaxed
• back leaning forward slightly
• left/right hand holding the page
• left/right hand ready in a tripod grip – click here to see how to teach a child the correct pen grip
For further inforamtion on supporting your child with their handwriting the teachhandwriting website hosts a wealth of information.
Our Writing Skills Progression document, which includes handwriting, can be view by clicking here