Practising handwriting by writing dialogue
I can write correctly punctuated dialogue in legible, cursive handwriting.
Practising handwriting by writing dialogue
I can write correctly punctuated dialogue in legible, cursive handwriting.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Direct speech is signalled to the reader in text by inverted commas.
- Direct speech can be written in a speech first sentence or a speech second sentence.
- Direct speech always starts with a capital letter.
- After forming a capital letter, you need to lift your pencil to start the next part of the word.
- The writing is legible and the letter sizing is consistent.
Keywords
Direct speech - the term used for a character speaking out loud in a text
Inverted commas - a pair of punctuation marks that signal direct speech to the reader
Speech first sentence - a sentence that includes direct speech first before the reporting clause
Speech second sentence - a sentence that includes direct speech second after the reporting clause
Common misconception
Some children might forget to add the capital letter for the direct speech within a speech second sentence or might try to join the capital letter to the other letters.
Model the habit of looking and thinking about your sentence before you write it. Where will my punctuation be? Where will my capital letters be? This way children will have the time to think about it before they start writing.
Content guidance
- Risk assessment required - physical activity
Supervision
Adult supervision required