Building speed in handwriting
I can write quickly and legibly using cursive handwriting.
Building speed in handwriting
I can write quickly and legibly using cursive handwriting.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
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.
To help you plan your year 5 english lesson on: Building speed in handwriting, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 5 english lesson on: Building speed in handwriting, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 2 english lessons from the Building handwriting fluency through speed, choices and writing dialogue unit, dive into the full secondary english curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
Content guidance
- Risk assessment required - physical activity
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
Starter quiz
6 Questions



