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Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Worried about DS (7) letter formation

5 replies

Babyonion · 07/06/2025 21:06

Just wanting a bit of advice, my 6 year old DS (7 in October) son is a brilliant reader and has been writing for some time now, but I’ve noticed his letter formations of b, d, p and g are back to front whenever he writes anything.
He also often mixes up capitals and lower case letters in a sentence. He’s been writing stories at school recently and starting to enjoy writing again (he wasn’t keen on English for a while) he’s been getting into silver at school for his English work, so I don’t want to put him off.

Just wondering if anyone has had a similar experience of this and how I can encourage him to write his letters the correct way round/lower case and capitals only when necessary.
Also if this is anything to be concerned about.

OP posts:
24Dogcuddler · 07/06/2025 21:29

Mirror writing is common at a young age and those are the letters that are often confused
Once children start to write down their own ideas the quality of handwriting decreases initially. Teachers will say if they are worried.

There is info below and resources but I wouldn’t be getting him to do extra letter formation at this stage.
Multisensory learning is best using chalks outdoors or writing with water and a brush on bricks etc. You can also form letters with a squeezy bottle.

Writing Wizard is a great app for a tablet. Can be used with a finger or stylus. You can enter your own wordlists, names, spellings etc. Children love it as it’s colourful and interactive.

https://www.twinkl.co.uk/teaching-wiki/mirror-writing

Didimum · 07/06/2025 22:36

It’s common. No cause for concern at 6yrs old and in year 1.

TheSandgroper · 08/06/2025 05:40

It’s normally for his age and stage. You will notice when his brain grows another connection because a few things will be gained at the same time - this will be one thing.

BallerinaRadio · 08/06/2025 06:27

What is your concern? I'm sure his teacher would let you know if there was anything to worry about.

It's scary how places like Mumsnet have made parents question every little part of their kids lives. There seems to be a post like this daily.

golemmings · 08/06/2025 08:42

If he's practicing writing at home, make sure he starts the letters in the right place.

It's harder to mirror B and d if the b starts at the top, comes down to the line and then has it's circle. A d should start with a c and then the vertical.

I see a lot of kids with poor handwriting. Often their letter formation is poor. It seems to be something that schools don't look at much . Teachers look at the final outcome rather than the mechanics of how a child is getting there.

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