Handwriting

Early Years (EYFS) – Pre-writing & Fine Motor Foundations

Key Focus 

At this stage, handwriting is about physical readiness, not neat letters. 

Key Strategies 

-Develop gross motor skills first (climbing, sweeping, large arm movements)  

-Build fine motor control:  

      Playdough, peg boards, threading  

      Tweezers, cutting, sticker play  

      Encourage mark-making in different ways:  

      Sand, paint, chalk, water brushes  

-Teach correct pencil grip (tripod grip gradually)  

-Practice patterns: lines, circles, zig-zags  

 Useful Websites & Resources 

Twinkl-Fine motor activities, pencil control sheets, pattern tracing  

BBC Bitesize-Early writing and letter formation videos  

Early Years Alliance- Guidance on physical development and readiness for writing  

Squiggle While You Wiggle- Combines movement and mark-making  

 

Key Stage 1 (KS1) – Letter Formation & Consistency

 Key Focus 

Accurate letter formation  

Correct starting points and direction  

Beginning size and spacing control  

 Key Strategies 

-Teach letters in families (e.g. c, a, o, d, g)  

-Model formation verbally (“start at the top…”)  

-Practice daily short sessions (5–10 minutes)  

-Use multi-sensory approaches:  

      Air writing  

      Tracing  

      Writing in sand or shaving foam  

      Reinforce posture and pencil grip  

-Use lined paper 

-Practice handwriting with common exception words or ‘Tricky Words’ 

Useful Websites & Resources 

Oxford Owl-Printable handwriting sheets and guidance  

Handwriting Repeater-Animated letter formation and cursive practice  

 

 Key Stage 2 (KS2) – Fluency, Joins & Presentation

 Key Focus 

Fluent, joined handwriting  

Consistency in size and spacing  

Writing that supports speed and stamina  

Key Strategies 

-Teach and reinforce cursive/continuous script  

-Practice joining patterns and tricky joins  

-Focus on legibility over perfection  

-Build writing stamina (longer tasks gradually)  

-Give feedback on presentation (spacing, alignment)  

-Allow personal style development once secure  

-Focus on presentation of work 

Useful Websites & Resources 

Oxford Owl-Printable handwriting sheets and guidance  

Handwriting Repeater-Animated letter formation and cursive practice