Cursive Handwriting

1. Cursive Handwriting Introducing a whole school policy

2. Why choose cursive writing? “Every adult will consider the formation they use to be the most comfortable for them…..this does not necessarily make it the most effective formation for children learning for the first time. Teachers must bear in mind the need to develop a handwriting style that is clear, fluent, legible and fast for first time learners.”

3. The benefits of teaching cursive script may be… • It helps children’s writing to be clear,fluent legible and fast. • Having a lead in and out stroke avoids confusion about where to begin letter formation. • This has also proved beneficial for children with poor hand control and for dyslexic children. • The pencil does not often need to be lifted from the page – this reinforces phonic and spelling patterns.

4. Issues concerning the teaching of handwriting. • Prerequisites for writing. • Joining of letters • Teaching routines for handwriting • Policy for presentation and display

5. Key points to remember when planning for teaching handwriting. Context- Handwriting should be an integral not isolated part of writing and spelling. Direct teaching- It should be taught through a balance of whole class and small group work but it should be taught! Practice –children need specific opportunities in school and at home to practise and reinforce good handwriting habits. Application – The skills learnt need to be put to use so that children see a point to their hard work.

6. Prerequisites for writing. • Grip-wide/narrow, tripod grip, implements , paper match • Control- opportunities for large movements, link closely for Foundation Stage Curriculum, build into role play • Sequence of movements – r to l, up down, implications for left handers. • Formation –gross motor skills

7. Joining of letters • Letters and flicks! • When to commence a joined script- ELG states by the end of F2 children should be “Joining some letters when appropriate” • Links with spelling and handwriting – introduction of letters. • Progression in phonics – transition from KS1 to KS2 • Appropriate teaching points – consistency, seating, left handers, opportunity to practise in independent time

8. Teaching routines for handwriting • When? • How? • Homework • Application

9. Resources and presentation issues. • What resources will you need to invest in? Consider implements, paper, gross motor, fine motor. • Literate environment –Labels, names etc. • Teacher modelling /marking • Displaying children’s writing – Does it always need to be “publish” standards • Handwriting portfolios and awards

10. To be successful you need to invest: • Time • Money • A whole school commitment