Letter Formation Cards

From Carreker, S (1992). Reading readiness. Bellaire, TX: Neuhaus Education Center; adapted with permission.

https://readinguniverse.org/skill-explainer/handwriting-spelling-typing/handwriting/how-to-teach-letter-formation

Purpose of Explicit Letter Formation

Teaching children to form letters correctly (top to bottom, left to right) is essential for the development of fluent and confident hand writers. When you are confident about your writing, you write more often, take more risks, and have less fatigue when writing. Your cognitive load is not taken up by forming letters, or holding onto your pencil. Instead you can confidently and fluently form the letters and hold your pencil efficiently, and focus on your ideas.

Explicit Instruction

• Use clear and descriptive language.

• Invite children to describe with their language.

• Assign names to the lines (Hat Line, Belt Line, Shoe Line or Sky Line, Horizon, Grass) to help the children visualize where their pencil is going.

• Encourage a continuous stroke, and beginning at the top.

• Build muscle memory

• Work on the pencil grip as well

It's never to late to practice! Whether you are working with First or Fifth or 10th grade, or tutoring at any age, you will gain fluency with a little practice each day.