At ESMS, we use our own handwriting style adapted from Nelson's Handwriting Scheme. The correct formation of letters and numbers are detailed below, including when these are introduced.
Before starting to write check that your child:
- is sitting comfortably with both feet on the floor
- is sitting up straight
- has enough room
- has sloped the paper slightly
- has relaxed his/her arm
- has a sharpened pencil
- can see what he/she is writing
- is holding the pencil in the correct tripod grip
To encourage the correct grip, place the pencil on the table in front of your child with the point facing towards them. They will then automatically pick it up with their thumb and index finger and the middle finger will cushion underneath.
Formation of letters and numbers taught in Primary 1 and Primary 2
When we begin teaching the letters formations, in Primary 1, we use the Read Write Inc handwriting phrases to help children remember. The only exception, you may notice, is the 'k'.
Formation of letters from Primary 3 - Primary 7
In Primary 3, lessons will focus on fine motor skills, pencil control, posture and correct formation of upper and lower case letters. In Term 2 the children will be introduced to cursive writing. Our cursive handwriting style is detailed below.
In Primary 4 children will continue to use the cursive handwriting style introduced in Primary 3. It is the style used by all children at Queensferry Road.
In Primary 5, children continue to work in pencil, though handwriting pens are sometimes used for display work.
In Primary 6 and Primary 7, children continue to use the cursive style of handwriting. In Primary 6 children learn how to write using a rollerball pen. If your child makes a mistake in pen they should put a single ruled line through the mistake rather than using correction fluid such as Tippex or any other correction pen. E.g. becua because
At home, when writing for homework, please encourage your child to use the school handwriting style and work neatly.