Handwriting at St Luke's

At St Luke's we are developing pride in our work and high standards of presentation. We use the Penpals scheme for teaching handwriting starting in Reception through to Year 6. The Foundation content is in line with the EYFS Framework and is supported by the use of Essential Letters and Sounds mnemonics for teaching letter formation. The Year 1–6 content supports frequent, discrete and direct teaching of handwriting for 5–11 year olds, as required by National Curriculum 2014. 

The scheme provides us with a consistent approach and a clear progression through five developmental stages:

• Physical preparation for handwriting
• Securing correct letter formation
• Beginning to create joins between letters
• Securing joins and practicing speed and fluency
• Developing a personal style.

In the "Penpals Scope and Sequence" document below you will be able to see the sequence that handwriting is taught at St Luke's.  The correct formation for letters, numbers and joins at our school is in our "Penpals Information for Parents" document also below.

Within EYFS, Key stage 1 and year groups in Key Stage 2 where necessary, children practise in Penpal Workbooks. Key stage 2 pupils practise within our specifically designed exercise books that include handwriting lines which supports their independent writing across the curriculum.

Handwriting is also modelled within phonics lessons and children have further opportunity to practise letter formation within these sessions.  

How can you support your child's handwriting development at home?

Gross and Fine Motor Skills 

As well as practising letter formation, it is important for children's handwriting that they develop their gross motor and fine motor skills. 

Gross Motor Activities

Gross motor activities improve postural control and muscle strength and are beneficial when developing handwriting skills. 

Activities you can try at home: 

1. Hanging activities – do the monkey bars or do chins ups
2. Climbing activities – climb ladders and ropes
3. Pushing and pulling activities – pull heavy trolleys/ bags, push a child on a swing or play tug of war. 
4. Animal activities- do the crab (get into a table position and try to walk sideways like a crab) or the snake (lie on your tummy and pull yourself along with your hands). 
5. Arm activities- have a wheelbarrow race, do wall push ups or go for a crawl
6. Yoga activities

Fine Motor Activities 

Fine motor skills involve the coordination of small muscles and movements of the hands, fingers, and eyes. Developing these skills enable children to hold their pencil and manipulate it effectively. 

Fine Motor Activities to try at home: 

1. Threading with string, pipe cleaners and straws

2. Rolling and squashing play-doh

3. Squeezing pipettes 

4. Cutting shapes and lines 

5. Dotting with cotton buds 

6. Pinching with pegs and tweezers

Follow the link below for more fine motor skills activities: