1. Handwriting Workshop

2. Aims
To raise the profile of Handwriting in school and enthuse parents, staff and children.
Provide support for helping your child to improve their handwriting.

3. Why is Handwriting Important?
Handwriting is a basic tool used in all subjects.
Poor handwriting can have a pervasive effect on school performance.

4. Handwriting in Foundation and Key stage 1 is linked to basic reading and spelling achievement;
for example,
when children learn how to form the letter m, they will also be learning its sound. .

5. National Expectations
Foundation Stage
Use a pencil and hold it effectively to form recognisable letters, most of which are correctly formed.
 By the end of Key stage 1
Write legibly, with ascenders and descenders distinguished.
Use upper and lower case letters appropriately within words.

6. By the end of Key stage 2
Use different styles of handwriting for different purposes with a range of media, developing a consistent and personal legible style and communicate information and ideas.

7. How is it delivered in school?
We have a weekly handwriting lesson lasting approximately 20 minutes in key stages 1 and 2.
Progression in handwriting is achieved throughout both key stages by following the Nelson Handwriting Scheme.

8. The teacher models the handwriting, discussing the features of formation and style.
Children then practise their handwriting in their own books, working slowly and carefully.
Children in Key stage 1 and older children who need a little extra support use triangular shaped pencils and grips. These are available to buy from school.

9. Pen License

10. How can you help? Copying letters/words written on paper
Independently translating printed text into cursive handwriting script.
Rainbow writing—Writing the same words or letters in lot’s of different colours, this also helps to practise spellings.

11. Writing in sand.
Shaving foam
Using light sticks to practice letter formation in the air.
Children love to write in pen, allow them to practise their handwriting in pen at home.

12. Writing as much as possible, shopping lists, stories, letters, cards, posters, postcards, comic strips, newspaper reports, design a game, new sport and write a set of instructions etc.

13. Practise, Practise, Practise.
Make it fun
and
Practise, Practise, Practise.