Cotmanhay Junior School
Safe, Happy Learning
Handwriting
Handwriting
Handwriting is an essential component in writing fluency. It is our goal to achieve writing fluency (transcription) so other components of writing (composition) can be prioritised and greater progress is achieved. Because of this, whole class handwriting is taught in all year groups at the start of English lessons 3 times per week. Handwriting is explicitly modelled using ‘Letter-Join’ principles as a tool to assist this. Each teacher and year group adapts this teaching depending on the needs of their class and specific weaknesses that are found. Once children are proficient with their handwriting, a pen license is achieved at different tiers: bronze, silver and gold. It is our aim for most children to use pen
For those that need additional support with handwriting, adaptations are made based on the needs of different children. For example, when fine and gross motor skills are inhibiting pencil grip or writing stamina, measures are used to ensure this improves. Activities are decided upon for these children by teachers on an individual basis. Where a physical barrier to handwriting presents, the use of technology is used to assist.