New
New
Year 2
Review of the four joins with no lead ins
I can correctly form the four joins.
New
New
Year 2
Review of the four joins with no lead ins
I can correctly form the four joins.
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Lesson details
Key learning points
- Cursive handwriting involves joining letters together without lifting your pencil.
- The first join connects from the baseline to the x-height line.
- The second join connects from the baseline to the ascender line.
- The third join connects from the x-height line to the x-height line.
- The fourth join connects from the x-height line to the ascender line.
Keywords
Join - how things connect
Baseline - this is the line that most letters sit on
Ascender line - this is the top line of the tramlines
X-height line - this is the line that x-height letters reach
Dips below - dropping under something
Common misconception
Children will often want to take their pencil off to form the join.
Emphasise the flowing motion of cursive writing. The letters need to be joined together so the pencil needs to stay on the page.
Consistent practice is crucial. Short, daily practice sessions are more effective than longer, less frequent ones.
Teacher tip
Content guidance
- Risk assessment required - physical activity
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
Lesson video
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Starter quiz
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6 Questions
Q1.
How many different joins are there in cursive handwriting?
2
3
5
Q2.
True or false. You can choose whichever join you would like when joining letters.
Q3.
When should you lift your pencil when joining a letter string together?
to add a cross for the letter t in the middle of a letter string
whenever you would like a rest
Q4.
Select the break letters.
Q5.
Which letters have looped descenders when joining to other letters?
a
h
Q6.
What is a letter string?
letters that are together in the alphabet
a group of words that are written together
Additional material
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