At  Moon’s Moat First School, our aim is that pupils will be supported to develop a handwriting style which is clear, joined and fluid. Inevitably some will be neater than others, but each child can acquire a consistent and fluent style.

Formal handwriting skills  at Moon’s Moat First School are taught regularly and systematically through the use of the PENPALS Handwriting scheme (Cambridge University Press).

Five stages are identified and these form the basic organisation of the scheme:

 1.Readiness for writing: gross and fine motor skills leading to letter formation(Foundation)

 2.Beginning to join (Lower KS1)

 3.Securing joins (Upper KS1/Lower KS2)

 4. Practising speed and fluency (KS2)

 5.Presentation skills (KS2)

Opportunities for linking handwriting with early phonics and spelling work are fully exploited through the PENPALS

Posture and pencil hold

It is important that children hold their pencil correctly and ensure their posture is correct.

-Feet flat on the floor

-Head up, not resting on the desk or hand

-Paper at the correct angle 

-Spare hand steadies the paper 

 Pencil hold

.- Pencil held between finger and thumb

.-Middle finger provides extra support

Please talk to your child's teacher if you would like any further information about handwriting or how you can support your child with fine and gross motor skills. You may find the Teach Handwriting website useful. Click here 

Our Year 4 children have been working hard trying to earn their pen licences!