Pre-Handwriting Patterns
Practicing pre-cursive patterns such as, straight lines (vertical, horizontal, vertical), curves, tunnels and zig zags teaches children the correct directional pushes and pulls of the pencil, required to form letters. Children in Nursery and Reception are given lots of opportunity in continuous provision and during adult directed tasks to practice pre-cursive patterns needed for forming letters.
Here are some examples of pre-handwriting patterns that you could practice with your child at home.
Printed Handwriting
This document from Red Rose Letters and Sounds shows the letter formation phrases we use to help children learn to form each letter of the alphabet.
This powerpoint shows your child how to form each letter of the alphabet in printed handwriting, using the Red Rose Letters and Sounds formation phrases.