English // Handwriting & Transcription
Joining Letters
Begin to join letters using diagonal and horizontal strokes, understanding which letter pairs are best left unjoined, forming letters of correct size relative to one another
Quick check
Is the learner starting to join up their letters when writing, so that their handwriting flows more smoothly rather than each letter standing completely separate?
Ask this to see whether the topic is secure.
Topic // Mastery
What mastery looks like
- Join 'in', 'un', 'it' with a diagonal stroke connecting the letters
- Leave letters like 'b' unjoined when followed by certain letters, explaining why
- Write with consistent letter sizing on lined paper, ascenders and descenders in proportion
Topic // Map
Where this fits
- RequiredMust come first
- HelpfulHelps, but not essential
Before this
2 topics- Sitting and holding a pencilRequired
Handwriting & Transcription // Ages 4 to 6
Joining letters builds on Y1 lowercase letter formation
- Forming Capital LettersHelpful
Handwriting & Transcription // Ages 5 to 6
Capital letter formation supports correct sizing in joined writing
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Joining Letters
Ages 6 to 10 // Method
Leads to
1 topic- Building Writing StaminaHelpful
Writing Composition // Ages 6 to 7
Joined handwriting supports sustained writing stamina
Topic // Standards
Curriculum standards
- Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts & Literacy in History/Social Studies, Science, and Technical Subjects
- L.1.1a
- The national curriculum in England: Key stages 1 and 2 framework document
- Eng.UKS2.Write.Trans.Hand.1aEng.UKS2.Write.Trans.Hand.1bEng/KS1/Y2/H/1Eng/KS1/Y2/H/2Eng/KS1/Y2/H/3Eng/KS1/Y2/H/4Eng_LKS2_Write_Trans_Hand_1Eng_LKS2_Write_Trans_Hand_2
English // Handwriting & Transcription