Formation of v,w, x and z

I can form the letters v, w, x and z.

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Year 1

Formation of v,w, x and z

I can form the letters v, w, x and z.

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Share activities with pupils

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Lesson details

Key learning points

The letters v, w, x and z are all x-height letters.
The letters v and w are formed by "going diagonally down and back up".
The letter x is formed by making two diagonal straight lines crossing in the centre.
The letter z is formed by a zigzag pattern with a straight, then diagonal and then a straight line.

Common misconception

There is a tendency for children to form the letter z backwards.

Model with directions in the room - 'straight across towards the door, diagonally back to the window, straight across to the door again'.

Keywords

X-height letter - letters that reach the middle height on the line
Diagonal line - a line that slants or leans
Straight line - a line that doesn't curve or bend
Zigzag - connected diagonal lines that alternate in direction

Having pictures around the classroom of the letters will support children with their writing. Pictures which show the starting point and direction the pencil will travel first is very useful.

Teacher tip

Content guidance

Risk assessment required - physical activity

Supervision

Adult supervision required

Licence

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2024), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).