Writing

At Stanton Cross, we teach children to read and write Set 1 sounds from the start of Reception as part of their Read Write Inc. Phonics lessons. Children learn to form the letters as soon as they have learnt all of the Set 1 sounds. As soon as they can read and write these Set 1 sounds, we teach a separate daily handwriting lesson in addition to the phonics lesson. This handwriting lesson teaches handwriting in four stages.

Stage 1 begins as soon as most children can read Set 1 sounds. We continue to teach children to form letters correctly.

Stage 2 begins during Year 1. Children learn the relative size of letters and to form letters that will flow easily into a joined style.

Stage 3 follows straight on. Children learn how to join letters using two basic joins – the ‘bridge’ join, the ‘hill’ join and the two variations on each.

Stage 4 helps children develop a mature and speedy style.

Each stage ensures pupils meet the National Curriculum requirements for handwriting from Reception to Year 4.

Children practise sitting comfortably at a table to write. This is much more comfortable than sitting cross-legged, hunched over a whiteboard.

We teach children that when we say ‘perfect handwriting position’ they quickly:

• put two feet on the floor
• push their bottom to the back of their chair
• tuck their chair under the table
• hold their pencil in a tripod grip
• place their other hand on their book or paper, so it doesn’t move around.

Writing Documents