Continuous handwriting confusion

[lesshaste]

I realise this has been discussed before on mumsnet but ... DD's school has just introduced continuous cursive handwriting in the first three years. This is not simply joined up writing but a style that makes every non-capital start from the bottom. Here is an example of the alphabet www.lidgetgreen.net/img/handwriting.png although the exact style of the letters the school has given us appears not to be entirely consistent.

Here are some specific questions I don't understand.

• Is it actually the law that they have to teach this style? Some people seem to claim this.
• Is it intended that the children will carry on writing with a tail before every non-capital forever or are they supposed to drop this flourish when they get older?
• The school claims there is evidence that this style helps children with their spelling and will help them with more legible writing in the future. Is there in fact any evidence for this?

There are a number of things I don't like about this style. One is that the children will never see any adult write in this way, including all the teachers at their school!

I'd ask for a style sheet from school, then you know officially what style f/z/k they're teaching. Then you can look for a matching font or learn to do it yourself if you can be bothered. Or just photocopy/laminate the style sheet.

Ah, I would be annoyed too if they change mid school like that. But can see why it would be tricky for a school to have half on one style and half on another.

I learnt to write like that, but only do it half the time as an adult. Don't see it as a big problem, more an annoyance!

Personally, I think everybody should choose which writing style they want to use, as long as it's neat and legible. It's annoying it doesn't work like that in school.

I would be annoyed too, if school changed mid school.

This is what is used at the 3 schools I go to

I think it's stupid if you have to write like that all the time, and get mark off for not doing it as well. But are school/teacher really that strict?
I would connect oo at the top and f and o as well.
Once they are secure with chosen writing style, I'd expect each child to be allowed to modify a little, so they can write comfortably, neatly and quickly.

@Emochild Thank you!

I also just noticed that their printed examples have a space between the first two letters in "Cold". That is the capital doesn't join on to the small "o".

@irvine101 Actually at DD's school they don't really get marks. Nonetheless DD is trying very hard to do exactly what she is told to do and gets a lot of satisfaction if she feels she is doing it right.

I think it's great if she enjoys it.
My ds's handwriting is good, but for me, it looks so uncomfortable when he is writing, and it takes forever. But, he is doing as he learned at school, so I won't say anything. Once they are older, they must be allowed to write as they like, I hope.

One of the schools I go to is incredibly strict with the writing and they aren't allowed to write in pen until it's consistently accurate -so a good proportion leave year 6 having never used a pen in school

@Emochild Wow!

Although at the end other end, I was not allowed to use a biro at primary school and had to use a "proper pen" instead. They said it was hard to control your writing otherwise. I even sort of believe them.

I've never seen a style that joins capital letters.
DS school have a pen license system too, but I think they manage to hustle them all through more or less yr 3-4. Not sure if biros are allowed, I think they use fibre tip handwriting pens.

I write like tabulahrasa 's example, and join capital letters. But I learned it from my mom 30+ years ago and in the non English speaking country. It must be old fashioned!

I join capitals in my own handwriting (similar style to tabulahrasa posted) but in school follow the schools style which is based on the ex deputy heads handwriting so quite unique.