Modelled Handwriting: How To Model Letter Formation For Your Class

Model Today's Letters

What Is Modelled Handwriting?

Modelled handwriting is a teacher demonstrating the formation of letters or joins in real time, so children see the movement as well as the finished letter. The DfE writing framework lists "demonstrated by the teacher" as one of the features of handwriting teaching, and says teachers routinely model handwriting in the writing lesson so pupils see how letters are formed.

The phrase "modelled writing" also names a composition strategy, where a teacher thinks aloud while composing a text. This page covers modelled handwriting only. For composition, see the DfE writing framework itself.

Why Does Modelling Matter More Than Copying?

Watching the movement builds a mental picture of how a letter is made, and a finished letter on the board does not show it. The DfE writing framework warns that asking pupils to copy from the board or a book, trace dotted letters or practise without supervision "can hinder their ability to build a strong mental model of the movement patterns". Pupils may not notice how letters and joins are formed and so carry on with poor formation.

How Do You Model Handwriting To Children?

Use the sequence I do, we do, you do. It is a common teaching routine rather than a DfE requirement, and it fits the framework's call for teaching in small steps with plenty of practice.

1. I do. Write the letter slowly while children watch, and say the movement as you go. For a curly caterpillar letter: "Start at the top, curl back round, close and down." Say the same words every time.
2. We do. Children make the movement with you, in the air or with a finger on the table, saying the words together.
3. You do. Children write on paper while you circulate and check start points, direction and grip.

Keep your wording identical across lessons. The letter formation rhymes give a ready set of cues, and letter formation shows the start point of every letter.

How Can You Model Handwriting While Facing The Class?

Stand beside the board so the class can see your hand and your writing at once, and use a large enough model that every child sees the start point. The framework says every pupil should have a good view of the adult and what is being modelled, including pencil grip.

• Stand to the side of the board. Your body does not hide the letter.
• Use a visualiser. It shows your hand and pencil on a screen while you face the class.
• Loop a repeater. A handwriting repeater replays the model so your attention is free for the room.

Model the physical side too. The framework says teachers should model the correct way to hold a pencil and to sit when writing. See pencil grip and handwriting posture.

Is A Handwriting Repeater Better Than Live Modelling?

A handwriting repeater gives an identical, correct model every time and frees you to watch the class, while live modelling adds eye contact and responsive talk. Most teachers can use both.

Use live modelling to introduce a new letter, then the repeater on a loop during practice. Open the Handwriting Repeater with today's letters.

How Do You Model Handwriting Joins?

Model a join by writing the letter pair slowly, pausing where the exit stroke becomes the join, and naming the join type. The DfE writing framework says joined handwriting waits until pupils form print letters correctly and consistently. See handwriting joins for the four join types.