Joining Letters
Begin to join letters using diagonal and horizontal strokes, understanding which letter pairs are best left unjoined, forming letters of correct size relative to one another
Suggested ages 6–10
Learning journey
Your child is learning to join letters together when writing, developing smooth handwriting by connecting letters with diagonal and horizontal strokes while keeping letters the right size.
Evidence of understanding
- Join 'in', 'un', 'it' with a diagonal stroke connecting the letters
- Leave letters like 'b' unjoined when followed by certain letters, explaining why
- Write with consistent letter sizing on lined paper, ascenders and descenders in proportion
Assessment prompt
Is Joining Letters starting to join up their letters when writing, so that their handwriting flows more smoothly rather than each letter standing completely separate?
Standards alignment
L.1.1a
Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts & Literacy in History/Social Studies, Science, and Technical Subjects · 1
Choose letter shapes
The national curriculum in England: Key stages 1 and 2 framework document · Key Stage 2
Choose writing implement
The national curriculum in England: Key stages 1 and 2 framework document · Key Stage 2
Form lower-case letters
The national curriculum in England: Key stages 1 and 2 framework document · Key Stage 1
Join letters
The national curriculum in England: Key stages 1 and 2 framework document · Key Stage 1
Write capital letters and digits
The national curriculum in England: Key stages 1 and 2 framework document · Key Stage 1
Spacing
The national curriculum in England: Key stages 1 and 2 framework document · Key Stage 1
Use diagonal and horizontal strokes
The national curriculum in England: Key stages 1 and 2 framework document · Key Stage 2
Increase legibility and quality of handwriting
The national curriculum in England: Key stages 1 and 2 framework document · Key Stage 2