Handwriting help

[Potterwolfie]

DS is yr5 and his handwriting isn't a strength, he tries hard but the physical act of writing is arduous for him, and causes him stress, so we're keen to find ways to help him.

His teacher says he has to be write in the cursive style, as he will need to demonstrate it in yr 6 SATs, but he's really struggling to get the mechanics of joined up writing. We were overseas for 3 years til recently and we wonder if he missed the 'joined up writing' window.

What would be the best way to help him develop joined up writing skills, and is it absolutely vital he does so? Thanks.

[Missanneshirley]

Is his basic letter formation ok? I teach year 2 equivalent and we're meant to teach 1st joins - I find I can't do it till last term as so many don't form their letters correctly, so the pencil doesn't end up at the right place, iyswim!

[Potterwolfie]

Hi, his letter formation is pretty poor, for example he forms a p and b by writing the round bit first then the stick (sorry I don't know the technical jargon!), and it's something we have been working on at home.

We moved overseas at the end of yr 1 and I think he may have missed a huge chunk where letter formation was a focus in school (it wasn't focused on in his school overseas).

Should I just go back to basics for now and at home encourage him to form his non joined letters properly, then maybe things will fall into place in time with regards to cursive?

[pumpkinbutter]

Correct letter formation in key to cursive working properly. It may be worth going back to basics with regard to correct precursive formation. Our yr1 are taught formation with lead ins and flicks at the end of each letter which means for them to work they can only be formed one way. It may be worth looking at KS1 letter formation worksheets if he is willing. With DD we used a free sign up to Twinkl to download precursive and cursive sheets.

[Potterwolfie]

Thank you, we will take a look at the resources you suggest, I think it's going to be the best way to proceed...as to whether he'll be willing.. hmm. ..that's another hurdle!

[jarofcalm]

There's a great website we use at school - teachhandwriting.co.uk

It has animations for how to form each individual letter and then how to begin joining them. It also has worksheets you can download for practice. Have a look and go for "continuous cursive" letters and joins. I think it's great.

[CharleyDavidson]

I was about to recommend teachhandwriting.co.uk for all the reasons that Jar mentions. It's very useful.

[Potterwolfie]

Thank you, I feel a half term project coming on!

[toomuchicecream]

Me 3 - I was going to recommend teach handwriting as well!!