New
New
Year 5
Building speed in handwriting
I can write quickly and legibly using cursive handwriting.
New
New
Year 5
Building speed in handwriting
I can write quickly and legibly using cursive handwriting.
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Lesson details
Key learning points
- Writing at speed is a valuable skill to develop.
- Writing at speed can decrease the legibility and accuracy of your writing.
- Your hand and wrist muscles can get tired when you are writing at speed.
- Regular practice, hand exercises and taking breaks can help to improve the speed and accuracy of your handwriting.
- It is important to find a balance between speed, accuracy and legibility when writing.
Keywords
Speed - in handwriting, refers to the rate at which one can write
Legible - clear and easy to read and understand
Accurate - being exact and precise
Balance - achieving an optimal equilibrium
Common misconception
Children may focus so much on the speed of their writing that they use the incorrect cursive joins.
When modelling, emphasise that the flow is smooth because the correct joins are being used. Clear reminders about letter formation and joins will support the children.
Frequent short bursts of handwriting practice will improve the children's handwriting and hand strength, which will improve their ability to write at speed.
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
Download starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.
This image reminds us to...
hold a pencil in each hand when practising our handwriting.
keep our pencils sharpened for handwriting.
Q2.
This image reminds us how to sit correctly when practising our handwriting. Select the correct labels to match this image.
one foot flat on the floor
back bent over with no support
Q3.
Warming up your hands before you start writing will help to improve your handwriting.
False
Q4.
How many cursive letter joins are there?
2
3
5
Q5.
Which joins are being used in this letter string?
third join - from the x-height line to the x-height line
fourth join - from the x-height line to the ascender line
Q6.
Which joins are being used in this letter string?
third join - from the x-height line to the x-height line