Handwriting Policy

Introduction

Pupils at Luddendenfoot are encouraged to take pride in their work.  A fluent style of handwriting is essential if a child is to record his work with ease and efficiency.

Aims

• To provide a structured, progressive scheme to help each child to achieve at the appropriate level.
• To establish accurate, cursive letter formation from the beginning and develop this as the child moves through the school.
• To promote a multi-sensory approach that takes into account the learning needs of every child.

Broad guidelines for the implementation of the policy

• The school will teach the cursive style outlined in the Beat Dyslexia programme.
• Entry strokes and exit strokes form a vital part of this programme.
• We will use multi-sensory methods to teach letter formation.
• Use will be made of teaching aids, i.e. Moulded pencil grips to encourage acceptable grip.
• Children will be taught individually, or in very small groups at first to avoid over-learning of incorrect forms.
• Initially all lowercase letters will start on the line to avoid confusion and hesitation.
• Later the child will use direct linking strokes when joining letters up.
• Examples of fluent, cursive handwriting styles will be given to pupils and displayed in school and used by teaching staff as frequently as possible.
• We will aim to identify children experiencing particular difficulties early in their school career and provide support where possible.
• A variety of pens will be offered to pupils who will be encouraged to use a pen which is most suited to themselves.
• Children will be taught about the importance of good posture to help develop writing.

The role of the co-ordinator

The co-ordinator for English will oversee this policy.

Evaluation

Regular “moderation trials” will be held by the teaching staff of this school in order to evaluate the success of this policy.

Examples of pupils work, at each level will be kept in the school’s portfolio of assessed work.

Consultation

This policy was written after due regard was paid to:

The National Curriculum orders, 1995

The Beat Dyslexia programme, 1993

Guidelines from the BDA 1999

Review

This policy will be reviewed after one year by the teaching staff of Luddendenfoot and thereafter biannually.

Signed

Headteacher …………………………………………..

Chair of Governors ………………………………….

Date …………………………………………

Review Date ……………………………….