At Stephenson, we have a journey for our children to become fluent, neat and joined handwriters. The journey is progressive and ensures all key skills and developmental points are considered. Each child develops at their own pace, therefore the teaching of handwriting is tailored to the needs of each child. Therefore, grouping will be used to support this when teaching handwriting across the school. 

 

Gross and fine motor skill development will be included in each year group. 

 

Overview of Progression: 

Wiggle me into Squiggle Movements - typically in Early Life

Squiggle Whilst you Wiggle - typically Nursery 

Squiggle me into a Writer - typically Reception

Stage 1: Learning to print - typically Year 1 

Stage 2: Learning Cursive - typically Year 3 

 

In Early Years our children start the Squiggle programme. There are typical ages indicated for the three part programme, however teacher judgement and assessment will be used to ensure that each child is accessing the most appropriately challenging programme to match their needs. As soon as children are able to mark make and show they can draw straight, curved and diagonal lines with a pincer grip/tripod grasp, children will start to learn how to write their own name alongside the squiggle programme. 

 

Typically in Year 1, children start in Autumn term using the Squiggle me into a Writer programme then move on to Stage 1. When children are able to form all letters neatly and accurately, children will then move to Stage 2. For some children this will be in Year 2 and typically this will be in Year 3. However, teacher judgement and assessment will be complete to ensure all children are accessing the most appropriately challenging programme to match their needs.

 

Children will not learn pre-cursive as the research evidence suggests that this can be detrimental to learning to read. Children who are working towards towards Greater Depth in Writing in Year 2 will be taught cursive to ensure they can meet all the Greater Depth criteria.