Children are introduced to forming each letter of the alphabet within their Read Write Inc lessons as they learn Set 1 single letter sounds. 

Each letter has a corresponding picture card to help children visualise the formation of the letter. There is also a rhyme for each letter to support children’s letter formation by reinforcing the direction and shape of the letter. 

Once all single letters have been taught, letter formation families are introduced so that children can group the formation of letters from similarity and pattern of letter formation. 
the letter families are as follows:

Ladder Letters

One Armed Robot Letters

Curly Caterpillar Letters 

Zig Zag Monster Letters

All ladder letters are formed by starting at the top of the letter and then moving straight down. Some ladder letters start in the sky and are taller letters eg l and t. We call letters that start in the sky and are tall ascenders. Some ladder letters fall beneath the line and have a tail eg j and y. We call letters that fall below the line descenders. 

One armed robot letters are formed by starting at the top of the letter and then bouncing back up to retrace the line and then over. Some one armed robot letters are taller and start in the sky eg b h k. These letters are ascenders. Some one armed robot letters fall below the line eg p. This letter is a descender. 

Curly caterpillar letters start at the top of the letter and usually all start by forming the letter c first with exception of e, f and s. Curly caterpillars curl around. Some have ascenders as they are tall and go up to the sky eg d and f. Some have descenders and go below the line eg f, g and q. 

Zigzag monster letters all start at the top of the letter and have a diagonal zigzag lines. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PItRNtLlkcA

Please see the video link for examples and tutorials for letter formation 

Once children are secure with letter formation in the form of print, they begin to join and explore cursive handwriting.

We use ‘Bubble Writing’ as a handwriting scaffold to support children in ensuring their letters are of accurate size and proportion including the use of ascenders and descenders. 

Children will receive a pen licence when their letter formation and handwriting is consistent with good presentation.