Continuum Unpacked
Alphabetic Knowledge
Letter Formation
Category: Alphabetic Knowledge
Alphabetic knowledge refers to knowing the letters by name and understanding alphabetic order
Knowledge and Skills: Letter Formation
Kindergarten/Grade 1
| Naming and forming upper- and lowercase letters both in and out of order |
Grade 1
| Naming and forming upper- and lowercase letters both in and out of order, and demonstrating knowledge of alphabetic order |
Grade 2
n/a
Grade 3
n/a
Grade 4
n/a
Looks like: Kindergarten / Grade 1
Beginning to print upper- and lowercase letters with appropriate formation patterns |
Looks like: Grade 1
Printing upper- and lowercase letters with appropriate formation patterns, size, orientation, placement, and spacing |
Why is this important?
| Writing is translating oral language into written text. Writing begins with letter formation; teaching students handwriting not only improves their handwriting, but also their composition; research suggests that teaching handwriting can improve the length, quality, and fluency of written composition (Graham & Santangelo, 2014). |
Instruction
Letter formation should be taught explicitly and systematically, with opportunities for guided and independent practice to build accuracy and automaticity.
When teaching letter formation, consider:
1. Pencil grip – teaching an effective pencil grip gives students a strong start to handwriting.
2. Posture and paper position – students should sit tall and angle their paper depending on their hand dominance, stabilizing it with their non-dominant hand.
3. Letter strokes – teach students the different strokes used to make letters: lines (vertical, horizontal, and diagonal) and curves.
4. Letter formation patterns – explicitly teach the formation patterns of letters. This is a critical step to ensure students develop fluent and legible handwriting.
5. Letter placement – consider using sky/grass/ground or hat/belt/shoes to support students in placing letters correctly, and understand ascending and descending letters.
Resources
Letter Formation Student Desk Chart
Use these desk strips as a visual support for students, as well as a helpful reminder of the strokes for correct letter formation.
How to Teach Letter Formation
This practical guide from Reading Universe is packed with educator tips and resources to teach letter formation.
Letter Formation Cards
Download this alphabet card set for your whole class and small group instruction, with helpful letter formation stroke patterns.
