1. education
2. teaching and classroom resources
3. lesson plans

Letter Formation
...for little people
An early childhood
approach to instructing
letter formation.
Designed by an Occupational Therapist
for use in schools and the home.
A Learning Resource for
Key Area: Movement and Motor
Simple and easy to use, the resource
targets letter formation in an early
childhood manner through a step by
step process.
Provides multiple opportunities to
rehearse letter recognition and
formation skills.
Provides clear information on getting
ready for writing, correct pencil grip,
posture and paper selection.
Supplementary activities for complex
students requiring additional explicit
multi-sensory instruction.
Accompanying assessment formats.
COPYRIGHT INFORMATION
2010 PLD Organisation Pty. Ltd. (Publisher) - www.pld-literacy.org
Contributions by Diana Rigg, Camilla Holt, Bridget Scott and Deborah Walter. Edited by Diana Rigg.
Second Edition 2011 - Letter Formation for little people. An early childhood approach to instructing letter formation.
First Edition 2010 - Pointing In The Right Direction... of letter formation. A supplement resource to the full
Pointing In The Right Direction program.
ISBN 978-1-921560-53-8
This resource is copyright under the Copyright Act, 1968 (Cth). All rights reserved.
Copyright Guidelines: The purchasing Educational Institution is granted permission to copy or communicate only a
reasonable proportion – being no more than 10% or one chapter, at any given time, for educational purposes only.
Artistic Works include illustrations, photographs, drawings, pictures and design components within teaching manuals and on flash cards, charts and posters. They should not be adapted or removed and are recognised by the
Copyright Act 1968.
Digital reproduction of this publication/resource or any proportion of it is strictly prohibited without written consent
from PLD Organisation Pty. Ltd.
This blackline master is published and sold with a limited copyright. It may only be reproduced by the original purchaser for use with their class(es). The publisher (PLD Organisation Pty. Ltd.) prohibits the loaning or onselling of this
master for the purposes of reproduction.
Please visit www.pld-literacy.org for our extended Copyright Guidelines.
Overview Of Contents
A Resource Range For Developing Handwriting
4
Letter Formation For Little People: Introduction and Note From The Author
4
Supplement Resources For Developing Handwriting
5
The Process Of Fine And Gross Motor Skills Supporting Later Handwriting Ability
6
Getting Ready For Writing
7
Posture
8
Hand Warm Ups Guide
9
Development Of Hand Function, Grasps And Drawing Skills
Pencil Grip
10
e
l
p
m
a
11
What Is A Good Pencil Grip?
11
What Is NOT A Good Pencil Grip?
12
Good Pencil Grip (Little poster reminders for both right and left handed children.) 13 to 14
S
Position Of The Paper
15
Hand Position
15
Paper (Includes Samples) and Pencil Choices
Supporting Letter Formation
16 to 22
.
d
t
L
.
n Pty
Supporting Letter Formation
Development Of Handwriting
o
i
t
a
s
i
rgan
Games To Rehearse Letter Knowledge
Introducing Capitals
PLD O
23
24
25
25 to 26
26
Starting Points For VICTORIAN CURSIVE Font
27
Verbal Cues For VICTORIAN CURSIVE Font
28
Pre-Writing Letter Formation And Pencil Control Assessment
©
Letter Formation
29 to 44
45
Quick Reference Card For... Introducing Letter Formations
Forming and recalling the correct letter formations for... Letter Group 1: s, a, t, p, i, n
46 to 47
48
‘s’ worksheets
49 to 55
‘a’ worksheets
56 to 62
‘t’ worksheets
63 to 69
‘p’ worksheets
70 to 76
‘i’ worksheets
77 to 83
‘n’ worksheets
84 to 90
Board Game For Letter Group 1
91
Letter Group 1 Upper Case Lettters
92
Letter Checkers For Letter Group 1
93
For the purpose of this book the font Victorian Cursive has been applied. However, each Australian state
uses a different cursive font. Cursive style deviations are most significant with the letters b, p, x and z. For
each of the letters listed, state specific supplement materials may be required to be used in conjunction
with the materials in this program.
2
Letter Formation For Little People
PLD Organisation Pty. Ltd.
Contents
Overview Of Contents continued
Letter Formation continued
Forming and recalling the correct letter formations for... Letter Group 2: m, r, h, e, d, c
94
‘m’worksheets
95 to 101
‘r’ worksheets
102 to 108
‘h’ worksheets
109 to 115
‘e’ worksheets
116 to 122
‘d’ worksheets
123 to 129
‘c’ worksheets
130 to 136
Board Games For Letter Groups 1 and 2
137 to 138
Letter Group 2 Upper Case Lettters
139
Letter Checkers For Letter Groups 1 and 2
140
Forming and recalling the correct letter formations for... Letter Group 3: f, l, g, o, u, b
141
e
l
p
m
Sa
‘f’ worksheets
142 to 148
‘l’ worksheets
149 to 155
‘g’ worksheets
156 to 162
‘o’ worksheets
163 to 169
‘u’ worksheets
170 to 176
‘b’ worksheets
177 to 183
.
d
t
L
.
n Pty
Board Games For Letter Groups 1, 2 and 3
184 to 185
Letter Group 3 Upper Case Lettters
o
i
t
a
s
i
an
Letter Checkers For Letter Groups 1, 2 and 3
g
r
O
D
PL
Forming and recalling the correct letter formations for... Letter Group 4: w, j, v, k, z, y, q, x
©
‘w’worksheets
186
187
188
189 to 195
‘j’ worksheets
196 to 202
‘v’ worksheets
203 to 209
‘k’ worksheets
210 to 216
‘z’ worksheets
217 to 223
‘y’ worksheets
224 to 230
‘q’ worksheets
231 to 237
‘x’ worksheets
238 to 244
Board Games For Letter Groups 1, 2, 3 and 4
245 to 246
Letter Group 4 Upper Case Lettters
247
Letter Checkers For Letter Groups 1, 2, 3 and 4
248
Additional Formation
249
‘b’ and ‘d’ Reversals (Games and Worksheets)
References
257
Putting Letters On Lines
258
Letter Placement - Sentences To Copy
258
Pencil Control Worksheets
Contents
250 to 257
259 to 264
Letter Formation For Little People
PLD Organisation Pty. Ltd.
3
A Resource Range For Developing Handwriting.
e
l
p
m
Sa
Preparing Children For Handwriting - Step 1
supports the development of foundational
fine and gross motor skills
for children aged 3½ to 4½.
Following on from Step 1,
Preparing Children For Handwriting - Step 2
continues to prepare children, aged 4½ to 5½,
for the demands of handwriting.
.
d
t
L
.
n Pty
o
i
t
a
s
i
rgan
O
D
L
P
©
Note From The Author
Letter Formation For Little People is a valuable
resource for teachers in the early education setting. It is a unique program which details an initial
introduction to lower case letters and their correct formation. This package provides multiple
opportunities for rehearsal of each letter shape in
foundation font. The order of introduction of the
letters is based on the 4 groupings used in all PLD
programs.
Children are able to begin learning letter formation once they have mastered:
•Emerging alphabet letter name and sound
knowledge
•Good sitting posture
•Efficient grasp
•Pre-writing patterns
•Pencil control and accuracy
It is essential that correct formations of letters are
mastered early, as it reduces the possibility of incorrect formations becoming habitual, and patterns needing to be re-learned at a later stage.
Prevention is better than cure!
B App Sc (Occupational Therapy)
Available in both Cursive and Foundation fonts.
4
Letter Formation For Little People
PLD Organisation Pty. Ltd.
Developing Handwriting
Supplement Resources For Developing Handwriting.
The manual targets the six basic
patterns that form the basis of all
alphabet letters. It outlines
recommended oral cues, big body
and fine movements with art and
craft reinforcement activities.
Simple and easy to use, the resource
targets scissor skills in early childhood
and developmental manner.
Developmental milestones
norms provide guidance
throughout the manual.
e
l
p
m
Sa
Alphabet Desk Mats
.
d
t
L
.
n Pty
o
i
t
a
s
i
rgan
O
D
L
P
©
Alphabet Desk Strips
Desk Mats and Desk Strips
are available in both
Cursive and
Foundation fonts.
Order on line at www.pld-literacy.org
Developing Handwriting
Letter Formation For Little People
PLD Organisation Pty. Ltd.
5
Getting Ready
For Writing
e
l
p
m
Sa
This section introduces some simple strategies that help
prepare children and their little hands to get ready for writing.
It includes information on
• Posture
• Hand warm ups
• Development of hand function,
grasps and drawing skills
• Pencil grip
.
d
t
L
.
n Pty
• Position of paper
• Hand position
io
t
a
s
i
n
Orga
• Paper and pencil choices
© PLD
Getting Ready For Writing
Letter Formation For Little People
PLD Organisation Pty. Ltd.
7
Getting Ready For Writing: Pencil Grip
It is suggested that it is much easier to introduce and
reinforce the proper way to hold a pencil than to
try and change an inefficient one later in school life
where the child has grown accustomed to using it
for several years. It is felt that handwriting difficulties
could be avoided in later years if there is an early
emphasis on strong fine motor skills, learning how to
hold a pencil and regular practice on how to use it.
The goal of a proper pencil grip is that it is stable,
comfortable and is able to be moved with the smaller
muscles of the fingers rather than the whole hand.
One important feature of this type of grip is an open
and rounded web space, the space formed by the
thumb and index finger. It is much harder to move a
pencil with finger movements if that is closed.
What Is A Good Pencil Grip?
•The pencil shaft is held between pads of index
finger and thumb of dominant hand.
•The middle finger sits along side the index finger
supporting under the pencil.
•The ring and little fingers curl gently into the palm
•There is an open, fairly circular web space formed
by the thumb and index finger. This is where the
pencil shaft will rest.
•Sometimes the pad of the middle finger on the
pencil too, this is acceptable if the web space
remains open.
e
l
p
m
Sa
There are a number of ways to encourage the right
grip. One idea is as follows:
Make ok sign with fingers. Place pencil between
thumb and index fingers then drop the middle ring
and little fingers under the pencil. The last joint of the
middle finger sits next to the index finger so that it can
support the underside of the pencil.
Children can be reminded to hold their pencil with
their ‘ok’ fingers.
.
d
t
L
.
n Pty
o
i
t
a
s
i
rgan
Alternatively the pinch action of the index finger and
thumb, with the middle, ring and little fingers tucked
into the palm mimics the action of a bird’s pecking
beak. Children can be reminded to make the bird’s
beak and hold their pencil.
O
D
L
P
©
Sometimes children find it hard to keep their middle,
ring or little fingers tucked into their palm, often they
climb onto the pencil shaft too. Children can try
holding a small marble or wishing stone in the palm of
their hand as they write to help them maintain the right
grip. There are also a large number of commercially
available pencil grips that help children hold their
pencils correctly as they begin to write.
Another useful activity to practise the right grip is too
use extremely short pencils to encourage the child to
use finger tips rather than the whole hand.
The shaft of the pencil should rest gently in the
webspace. Children can check to see if their pencil
is ‘lying back on its pillow’
Getting Ready For Writing
Letter Formation For Little People
PLD Organisation Pty. Ltd.
11
Getting Ready For Writing: Pencil Grip continued
What Is NOT A Good Pencil Grip?
e
l
p
m
a
S
Thumb Wrap
Transpalmar
n
o
i
t
a
s
i
n
a
g
r
O
D
L
P
©
12
.
d
t
L
Pty.
Thumb Tuck
Interdigital Brace
Supinate
Index Grip
Letter Formation For Little People
PLD Organisation Pty. Ltd.
Getting Ready For Writing
Supporting
Letter Formation
This section provides support information:
e
l
p
m
Sa
• For the introduction of a letter formation programme
• On the development of handwriting
• On games to rehearse letter knowledge
A Pre-Writing Letter Formation and
Pencil Control Assessment is also included.
.
d
t
L
.
n Pty
o
i
t
a
s
i
rgan
Pre-Writing Patterns targets the six
basic patterns that from the basis
of all alphabet letters.
O
D
L
P
©
Available at www.pld-literacy.org
Supporting Letter Formation
Letter Formation For Little People
PLD Organisation Pty. Ltd.
23
Supporting Letter Formation continued
Development Of Handwriting
Learning how to form letters, write words and sentences generally follows a simple developmental sequence.
As we grow, we gain increasing control of our muscles and we can process more complex information. In
writing development we learn how to control the pencil better and we gain sophistication in our perception
and interpretation of visual symbols.
In the first stage of drawing we see the following skills evolve
•Scribbling
•Imitation of simple movements
•Selecting a hand to write with
•Drawing and copying simple lines (with no size or direction control) l O –
•Gradually gaining more control of pencil. i.e able to move pencil in lots of directions e.g: up and down as
in a zigzag line (limited size control)
xxxx ++++
e
l
p
m
Sa
During the next phase we see children developing these skills:
•consolidating a functional pencil grasp
•learning directionality e.g. writing from left to right and top to bottom
•combining 2 or more movements to form simple pictures or letters
•starting to form big letters of the alphabet
•combining movements to create more complex designs e.g drawing pictures with detail e.g. person with
facial features, hair, fingers and toes, attempting to represent objects with drawing
•beginning to reduce the size of the letters of the alphabet in their writing
•beginning to write letters on the line
•beginning to control the size and proportion of letters
.
d
t
L
.
n Pty
o
i
t
a
s
i
rgan
Finally once these skills are mastered children begin to consolidate and refine their writing
skills. They begin to:
O
D
L
P
©
•Evenly space the letters in words
•Create an even space between words
•Writing becomes faster
•Increasing writing output
Games To Rehearse Letter Knowledge
Writing Racers Divide children into teams and sort laminated letters into equal piles to match number of
teams. Each team to line up. The first child in each team turns over top card and then races
to whiteboard to write the letter correctly. If child completes letter correctly, the next child in
team turns over the next card in the pile and races to the board to write that letter correctly.
If incorrect, child needs to return letter card to next team mate who reattempts the letter.
Winning team is the one who completes all given letters correctly in the quickest time.
Once these letters are mastered try the following suggested activities:
•start with set of s, a, t, p, i, n letters and gradually add following sets when children are
able to get letters correct on first try e.g. c,h,e,r,m,d etc.
•Children to write letters at the board with eyes closed.
•Complete with simple cvc words as in
•Complete activity with lines, to see if children can correctly place and form letters.
Feely LettersUsing the laminated letters made with hot glue, sand or wikki stix. Children are blindfolded
and are given a card. By using the pointer finger of their dominant hand they feel the
shape and guess the letter.
Children can play in teams. To increase the difficulty drawing the letter can be added later.
Once children have guessed the letter they then draw it on a whiteboard or magnadoodle.
They must use correct formation patterns.
See over for more games.
Supporting Letter Formation
Letter Formation For Little People
PLD Organisation Pty. Ltd.
25
Supporting Letter Formation continued
Games To Rehearse Letter Knowledge continued
The Half GameUsing a collection of letters e.g. s, a, t, p, i, n letters, cut the laminated letters in half.
Muddle up the halves and have children take turns to try and reform the letters
correctly. This can be played in small groups or teams, where points can be earned
for the number correctly matched.
More letters can be added later as children become familiar with this set, until all of
the alphabet letters are included.
Half Memory GameAlternatively, turn all the letter halves face down and play memory. Each child turns
over two cards, attempting to find the two correct halves of the letter. They can try
to put the two halves together to see if they match.
This activity can be made harder by adding a writing demand; Drawing can be
added later: Extra points can be earned if the child can also write the letter on
a small whiteboard or magna doodle with correct formations.
e
l
p
m
Sa
Dotty memoryUsing the same cards as above play memory, with children attempting to find the
solid letter and the dotted letter that are the same.
Once again drawing can be added once children have mastered this skill. The
game can become more complex by adding more and more letters.
Introducing Capitals
Capitals can be taught in conjunction with the lower case letters or once all of the lower case letters have
been introduced. Letter Formation For Little People recommends introducing capitals in the same way as the
lower case letters. Refer to the front of the quick reference card located on page 46.
.
d
t
L
.
n Pty
Although this resource focuses on the formation of lower case letters, to initally learn how to
form letters, the following pages contain starting points and verbal cues for both upper and
lower case.
io
t
a
s
i
n
a
g
r
O
LD
Templates for upper case letters can be found at the end of each Letter Group section (eg: page 92) which
can be enlarged as required.
©P
ABCDEFGHI
JKLMNOPQ
RSTUVWXYZ
26
Letter Formation For Little People
PLD Organisation Pty. Ltd.
Supporting Letter Formation
Supporting Letter Formation: Verbal Cues For VICTORIAN CURSIVE Font
Lower Case Letters
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
i
j
k
l
m
n
o
p
q
r
s
t
u
v
w
x
y
z
28
backwards circle, up and short line,
ends with a kick
tall line, down and under with a kick
backward circle and stop
tall line, up and backwards circle,
ends with a kick
sideways then a backwards circle
Upper Case Letters
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
Q
R
S
T
U
V
W
X
Y
Z
zig zag... sideways sideways
long line, yo yo letter... jumps up and
around and around
starts with a clunk goes back and around
long line, yo yo letter... jumps up and around
long line with three sideways lines
e
l
p
m
Sa
backwards circle then into a straight line...and cross
backwards circle up and finishes with a tail
long line, up and over with a kick
short line with a kick, add a dot
tall line with a tail and then add a dot
tall line, up and around and ends with a kick
tall line with a kick
up and over and ends with a kick
backwards circle and ends with a kick
long line, up and over with a kick
backwards circle, up, long line with a kick
short line then up and over and ends with a kick
circle back and then circle forward
tall line with a kick and cross
down and under with a kick
down and under with a kick
down and under, down and under with a kick
jumps up and around and then up and around
down and under and finishes with a tail
jumps up and around, finishes with a tail
Letter Formation For Little People
starts with a clunk goes back and around,
short line
long line... long line... sideways
long line sideways
long line... finishes with a tail
.
d
t
L
.
n Pty
long line... zig zag
io
t
a
s
i
n
Orga
up and over, up and over, up and over and
ends with a kick
© PLD
long line with two sideways lines
PLD Organisation Pty. Ltd.
long line... sideways
long line zig zag zig zag
long line zig zag
starts with a clunk goes back and around
long line, yo yo letter... jumps up and around
starts with a clunk goes back and around,
zig zag
long line, yo yo letter... jumps up and around,
zig zag
starts with a clunk goes back and around,
finish with a tail
long line... sideways
down and under... long line
zig zag
zig zag, zig zag
zig zag
little zig zag long zig zag
sideways... zig zag... sideways
Supporting Letter Formation
Supporting Letter Formation:
Pre-Writing Letter Formation and Pencil Control Assessment
Instructions
The assessment consists of the following observations and tasks.
e
l
p
m
Sa
Description
Teacher
Recording Sheets
Student
Task Sheets
Observation Checklist
Supplementary observation
checklist for teachers.
Page 30
--
Task 1
Colouring In
Page 31
Page 36
Task 2
Dot To Dot
Page 31
Page 37
Task 3
Pre Writing Patterns
Page 32
Pages 38 - 39
Task 4
Pencil Accuracy and
Control Assessment
Page 32
Pages 40 - 41
Task 5
Copying Lower Case Letters
Pages 33 - 34
Pages 42 - 43
Task 6
Independent Writing Of
Lower Case Letters
Page 35
Page 44
a
g
r
O
LD
o
i
t
a
s
i
n
©P
.
d
t
L
.
n Pty
This observation assessment consists of several components. It is suggested that the assessment be
administered over several occasions, with two components at a time to reduce the effects of fatigue on the
child’s performance.
It is best to observe each child individually to ensure comprehensive observations are made.
•Child to be seated at child’s height table, with desk located at approximately child’s waist height, and
their feet fully supported on the floor.
•Child is to use a large width triangular pencil HB to complete task. Erasers not to be used throughout
assessment.
•Child to be given instructions on what to do in each task. Observer to complete observation checklist.
The results of the observation not only provide baseline data on the child’s performance, but also give an
indication to the assessor of where to begin instruction. E.g. if the child is unable to complete the prewriting
patterns then they are not ready yet for letter formations or if they have difficulty with the accuracy and
pencil control task they may not be ready for writing on lines.
If the children have a combination of difficulties e.g. posture , grasp and pencil control it is recommended
that a referral to an Occupational Therapist be made.
Supporting Letter Formation
Letter Formation For Little People
PLD Organisation Pty. Ltd.
29
Pre Writing Letter Formation and Pencil Control Assessment
Name:_______________________________________ Class: _ ___________ Date:_______________
Supplementary Observation Checklist (Teacher recording sheet.)
TASKS COMPLETED
Prewriting pattern
Colouring
Dot to dot
Copying lowercase letters
Independent writing of lower case letters
Posture whilst writing/ colouring/ drawing
Changes position
frequently
Maintains position
overtime
Other
_________________________
_________________________
e
l
p
m
Sa
Side View
Yes
Slumped Backwards
No Yes
Slumped Forwards
No Yes
No
Pencil Grip
Right
Dagger
Left
Both
Quadropod
g
r
O
D
© PL
Tightness of grasp
Describe:
____________________
____________________
____________________
.
d
t
L
.
n Pty
o
i
t
a
s
i
an
Pronate
Loose
Swapping
Static Tripod
Tight
Just right
Light
Just right
Other
Pressure on page
Heavy
TASK COMPLETED IN LEFT TO RIGHT DIRECTION
Yes
No
TASK COMPLETED TOP OF PAGE TO BOTTOM OF THE PAGE
Yes
No
position of paper (in relation to child)
Adjust paper position frequently
Describe
30
Letter Formation For Little People
PLD Organisation Pty. Ltd.
Supporting Letter Formation
Letter Formation
This section provides:
• A quick reference card for introducing letter formations.
e
l
p
m
Sa
• Multiple opportunities to learn and practise letter formation
through worksheet activities.
The letters are introduced to match the format of other books
in PLD Learning Resources range e.g. initially introducing the
letters s, a, t, p, i, n, (Letter Group 1) and then systematically
introducing a second set of letters m, r, h, e, d, c (Letter group
2) then f, l, g, o, u, b (Letter Group 3) and finally w, j, v, k, z, y,
q, x (Letter Group 4).
Worksheets for each letter group include:
-step 1 to 4 tasks for forming large and small rainbow letters
-consolidation practise for letter and
-a mini game board
.
d
t
L
.
n Pty
o
i
t
a
s
i
rgan
• Capital letters to be used as required
O
D
L
P
©
• Letter checkers to review student’s ability to form letters
correctly after each letter group.
satpin
mrhedc
flgoub
wjvkzyqx
Letter Group 1
Letter Group 2
Letter Group 3
Letter Formation
Letter Group 4
Letter Formation For Little People
PLD Organisation Pty. Ltd.
45
Quick reference card for ...
Introducing Letter Formations
This is an example using the letter ‘s’ which can be applied to all letters.
Prerequisites
• Children to recognise the symbol ‘s’ and be able to verbalise the sound it makes
• Children need to be able to complete the pre writing movements that contribute
to the formation of the symbol (eg: the pre-writing movements for the symbol ‘s’
are circle back and circle forward).
e
l
p
m
Sa
Teaching Steps
•Teacher to demonstrate drawing the letter ‘s’ on whiteboard or blackboard.
•Teacher to repeat the verbal cue “circle back and then circle forward” whilst
drawing. Verbal cues for other letters can be found on the back of this card.
•Children to draw letter ‘s’ in the air using the pointer finger of their dominant hand.
•Children to repeat verbal cue as they make the movement.
•Ensure all children are drawing using the correct movement pattern, (direction
and sequence of movements) and verbal cue.
.
d
t
L
.
n Pty
o
i
t
a
s
i
rgan
Rehearsal Opportunities
O
D
L
P
©
•Children to take turns to draw the letter ‘s’ on the whiteboard/blackboard whilst
other class members repeat the verbal cue.
•Use the worksheets with a single big letter for children to rehearse the movement
pattern in the following ways:
–rainbow letter production
–laminate the sheet and use with whiteboard markers
–students roll out play dough to form letter over the letter outline or template
–use wikki stix on the letter outline or template to create letter
•write the letter ‘s’ in playdough with a pencil
•write the letter ‘s’ in paint, shaving cream, wet or dry sand
•complete the following worksheets
Children to complete all activities with
eyes open
and with
eyes closed
Glue this page to the following one to form a quick reference card for introducing all letters.
P.T.O.
46
Letter Formation For Little People
PLD Organisation Pty. Ltd.
Letter Formation
Quick reference card for introducing letter formations ...
Victorian Cursive Letter Formation Verbal Cues
Lower Case Letter Formations
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
i
j
k
l
m
n
o
p
q
r
s
t
u
v
w
x
y
z
backwards circle, up and short line, ends with a kick
tall line, down and under with a kick
backward circle and stop
tall line, up and backwards circle, ends with a kick
sideways then a backwards circle
backwards circle then into a straight line...and cross
backwards circle up and finishes with a tail
long line, up and over with a kick
short line with a kick, add a dot
tall line with a tail and then add a dot
tall line, up and around and ends with a kick
tall line with a kick
up and over, up and over, up and over and ends with a kick
up and over and ends with a kick
backwards circle and ends with a kick
long line, up and over with a kick
backwards circle, up, long line with a kick
short line then up and over and ends with a kick
circle back and then circle forward
tall line with a kick and cross
down and under with a kick
down and under with a kick
down and under, down and under with a kick
jumps up and around and then up and around
down and under and finishes with a tail
jumps up and around, finishes with a tail
e
l
p
m
Sa
.
d
t
L
.
n Pty
o
i
t
a
s
i
rgan
O
D
L
©P
Glue this page to the previous one to form a quick reference card for introducing all letters.
Letter Formation
Letter Formation For Little People
PLD Organisation Pty. Ltd.
47
Forming and recalling the correct
letter formations for Letter Group 1...
satpin
e
l
p
m
Sa
...creating an automatic
visual and motor memory.
.
d
t
L
.
n Pty
o
i
t
a
s
i
rgan
O
D
L
P
©
A recommended program to be used in conjunction with
the following tasks. Order on-line www.pld-literacy.org
48
Letter Formation For Little People
PLD Organisation Pty. Ltd.
Letter Formations - Group 1: s, a, t, p, i, n
“Circle back and then circle forward.”
e
l
p
m
Sa
.
d
t
L
.
n Pty
o
i
t
a
s
i
rgan
O
D
L
P
©
Step 1 Task: Forming Large Rainbow Letters - Photocopy worksheet to
an A3 size and then attach to a wall. Students stand for this activity.
Task Instructions: 1) Ask students to form the letters in the air with:
a) eyes open and b) eyes closed. 2) Adult says “Put your pencil (crayon
or texta) on the starting dot and write the letter ‘s’ while staying on the
grey path. Change the colour of your pencil and repeat.”
3) Adult observes skill performance.
Letter Formations - Group 1: s, a, t, p, i, n
Correct
Posture
Correct
Grip
Yes
Yes
No
No
Letter Formation For Little People
Correct
Letter
Formation
Yes
No
PLD Organisation Pty. Ltd.
49
“Circle back and then circle forward.”
e
l
p
m
Sa
.
d
t
L
.
n Pty
o
i
t
a
s
i
rgan
O
D
L
P
©
Step 2 Task: Forming Large Rainbow Letters - Photocopy worksheet to
an A4 size. Students are seated at a desk/table for this activity.
Task Instructions: 1) Ask students to form the letters in the air with:
a) eyes open and b) eyes closed. 2) Adult says “Put your pencil (crayon
or texta) on the starting dot and write the letter ‘s’ while staying
between the lines. Change the colour of your pencil and repeat.”
3) Adult observes skill performance.
50
Letter Formation For Little People
PLD Organisation Pty. Ltd.
Correct
Posture
Correct
Grip
Yes
Yes
No
No
Correct
Letter
Formation
Yes
No
Letter Formations - Group 1: s, a, t, p, i, n
“Circle back and then circle forward.”
e
l
p
m
a
S
n
o
i
t
a
s
i
n
a
g
r
O
D
L
P
©
Step 3 Task: Forming Small Rainbow Letters - Photocopy worksheet
to an A4 size. Students are seated at a desk/table for this activity.
Task Instructions: 1) Ask students to form the letters in the air with:
a) eyes open and b) eyes closed. 2) Adult says “Put your pencil
(crayon or texta) on the starting dot and write the letter ‘s’ while
staying on the grey path. Change the colour of your pencil and
repeat.” 3) Adult observes skill performance.
Letter Formations - Group 1: s, a, t, p, i, n
Correct
Posture
Yes
No
.
d
t
L
Pty.
Correct Grip
Yes
No
Correct
Letter
Formation
Yes
Just Right
Pressure
Yes
No
Letter Formation For Little People
PLD Organisation Pty. Ltd.
No
51
“Circle back and then circle forward.”
e
l
p
m
Sa
.
d
t
L
.
n Pty
o
i
t
a
s
i
rgan
O
D
L
P
©
Step 4 Task: Forming Small Rainbow Letters - Photocopy worksheet
to an A4 size. Students are seated at a desk/table for this activity.
Task Instructions: 1) Ask students to form the letters in the air with:
a) eyes open and b) eyes closed. 2) Adult says “Put your pencil
(crayon or texta) on the starting dot and write the letter ‘s’ while
staying between the lines. Change the colour of your pencil and
repeat.” 3) Adult observes skill performance.
52
Letter Formation For Little People
PLD Organisation Pty. Ltd.
Correct
Posture
Yes
No
Correct Grip
Yes
No
Just Right
Pressure
Yes
No
Correct
Letter
Formation
Yes
No
Letter Formations - Group 1: s, a, t, p, i, n
s
on the • and write the letter ‘ ’
Put your pencil
with your
eyes open
•
•
•
•
•
•
s
on the • and write the letter ‘ ’
Put your pencil
with your eyes closed
•
•
•
•
•
•
e
l
p
m
a
S
s
Now try to draw some ‘ ’s in the spaces below.
Put your pencil on the • and off you go.
n
o
i
t
a
s
i
n
a
g
r
•
O
D
L
P
©
•
.
d
t
L
Pty.
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Letter Formations - Group 1: s, a, t, p, i, n
Letter Formation For Little People
PLD Organisation Pty. Ltd.
53
Let’s write the letter ‘s’ in some words.
•
nake
•
ad
e
l
p
m
un
a
S
•
.
d
t
L
.
n Pty
o
i
t
a
s
i
rgan
O
D
L
P
©
54
Letter Formation For Little People
PLD Organisation Pty. Ltd.
•
ock
•
nail
Letter Formations - Group 1: s, a, t, p, i, n
Find and trace over all of the ‘s’ going the right way.
e
l
p
m
Sa
© PLD
.
d
t
L
.
n Pty
io
t
a
s
i
n
Orga
Letter Formations - Group 1: s, a, t, p, i, n
Letter Formation For Little People
PLD Organisation Pty. Ltd.
55
e
l
p
m
Sa
.
d
t
L
.
n Pty
o
i
t
a
s
i
rgan
O
D
L
P
©
Letter Group 1: s, a, t, p, i, n - Gameboard. Photocopy onto coloured paper and laminate. If necessary, enlarge to A3 size.
Roll a dice and move counter.
Say the sound.
Say oral cue.
Write the letter on a magnadoodle or white board.
Rules:
Letter Formations - Group 1: s, a, t, p, i, n
Letter Formation For Little People
PLD Organisation Pty. Ltd.
91
e
l
p
m
Sa
.
d
t
L
.
n Pty
io
t
a
s
i
n
a
g
r
O
LD
©P
Letter Group 1 upper case letters. - Photocopy and enlarge as required to introduce capitals.
92
Letter Formation For Little People
PLD Organisation Pty. Ltd.
Letter Formations - Group 1: s, a, t, p, i, n
Letter Checkers
Child’s Name:
Letter Group 1: s, a, t, p, i, n
Instructions: Teacher to review child’s ability to form the following letters correctly. Teacherto say sound and
child to write independently. If unable to form independently allow opportunity to copy letter.
Letter
Independent
Copy
e
l
p
m
a
S
a
s
t
.
d
t
L
.
y
t
P
n
o
i
t
a
p
s
i
n
a
g
r
O
D
L
P
©
i
n
Letter Formations - Group 1: s, a, t, p, i, n
Letter Formation For Little People
PLD Organisation Pty. Ltd.
93
Forming and recalling the correct
letter formations for Letter Group 2...
mrhedc
...creating an automatic
visual and motor memory.
e
l
p
m
Sa
.
d
t
L
.
n Pty
io
t
a
s
i
n
a
g
r
O
LD
©P
A recommended program to be used in conjunction with
the following tasks. Order on-line www.pld-literacy.org
94
Letter Formation For Little People
PLD Organisation Pty. Ltd.
Letter Formations - Group 2: m, r, h, e, d, c
“Up and over, up and over, up and over and ends with a kick.”
e
l
p
m
Sa
.
d
t
L
.
n Pty
o
i
t
a
s
i
rgan
O
D
L
P
©
Step 1 Task: Forming Large Rainbow Letters - Photocopy worksheet to
an A3 size and then attach to a wall. Students stand for this activity.
Task Instructions: 1) Ask students to form the letters in the air with:
a) eyes open and b) eyes closed. 2) Adult says “Put your pencil (crayon
or texta) on the starting dot and write the letter ‘m’ while staying on the
grey path. Change the colour of your pencil and repeat.”
3) Adult observes skill performance.
Letter Formations - Group 2: m, r, h, e, d, c
Correct
Posture
Correct
Grip
Yes
Yes
No
No
Letter Formation For Little People
Correct
Letter
Formation
Yes
No
PLD Organisation Pty. Ltd.
30
“Up and over, up and over, up and over and ends with a kick.”
e
l
p
m
Sa
© PLD
.
d
t
L
.
n Pty
io
t
a
s
i
n
Orga
Step 2 Task: Forming Large Rainbow Letters - Photocopy worksheet to
an A4 size. Students are seated at a desk/table for this activity.
Task Instructions: 1) Ask students to form the letters in the air with:
a) eyes open and b) eyes closed. 2) Adult says “Put your pencil (crayon
or texta) on the starting dot and write the letter ‘m’ while staying
between the lines. Change the colour of your pencil and repeat.”
3) Adult observes skill performance.
96
Letter Formation For Little People
PLD Organisation Pty. Ltd.
Correct
Posture
Correct
Grip
Yes
Yes
No
No
Correct
Letter
Formation
Yes
No
Letter Formations - Group 2: m, r, h, e, d, c
“Up and over, up and over, up and over and ends with a kick.”
e
l
p
m
Sa
.
d
t
L
.
n Pty
o
i
t
a
s
i
rgan
O
D
L
P
©
Step 3 Task: Forming Small Rainbow Letters - Photocopy worksheet
to an A4 size. Students are seated at a desk/table for this activity.
Task Instructions: 1) Ask students to form the letters in the air with:
a) eyes open and b) eyes closed. 2) Adult says “Put your pencil
(crayon or texta) on the starting dot and write the letter ‘m’ while
staying on the grey path. Change the colour of your pencil and
repeat.” 3) Adult observes skill performance.
Letter Formations - Group 2: m, r, h, e, d, c
Correct
Posture
Yes
No
Correct Grip
Yes
No
Just Right
Pressure
Yes
No
Letter Formation For Little People
Correct
Letter
Formation
Yes
No
PLD Organisation Pty. Ltd.
97
“Up and over, up and over, up and over and ends with a kick.”
e
l
p
m
Sa
.
d
t
L
.
n Pty
io
t
a
s
i
n
a
g
r
O
LD
©P
Step 4 Task: Forming Small Rainbow Letters - Photocopy worksheet
to an A4 size. Students are seated at a desk/table for this activity.
Task Instructions: 1) Ask students to form the letters in the air with:
a) eyes open and b) eyes closed. 2) Adult says “Put your pencil
(crayon or texta) on the starting dot and write the letter ‘m’ while
staying between the lines. Change the colour of your pencil and
repeat.” 3) Adult observes skill performance.
98
Letter Formation For Little People
PLD Organisation Pty. Ltd.
Correct
Posture
Yes
No
Correct Grip
Yes
No
Just Right
Pressure
Yes
No
Correct
Letter
Formation
Yes
No
Letter Formations - Group 2: m, r, h, e, d, c
m’
on the • and write the letter ‘
Put your pencil
with your
eyes open
mmmm
mmmm
•
•
•
•
m’
on the • and write the letter ‘
Put your pencil
with your eyes closed
•
•
•
•
e
l
p
m
a
S
•
m
Now try to draw some ‘ ’s in the spaces below.
Put your pencil on the • and off you go.
.
d
t
L
.
n Pty
o
i
t
a
s
i
rgan
O
D
L
P
©
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Letter Formations - Group 2: m, r, h, e, d, c
Letter Formation For Little People
PLD Organisation Pty. Ltd.
99
Let’s write the letter ‘m’ in some words.
•
•
onkey
oon
e
l
p
m
Sa
•
ug
.
d
t
L
.
n Pty
io
t
a
s
i
n
a
g
r
O
LD
©P
•
•
100
Letter Formation For Little People
PLD Organisation Pty. Ltd.
an
ouse
Letter Formations - Group 2: m, r, h, e, d, c
Catch all the
fish by drawing a line from
the fishing rod to the fish.
e
l
p
m
Sa
.
d
t
L
.
n Pty
io
t
a
s
i
n
a
g
r
O
LD
©P
Letter Formations - Group 2: m, r, h, e, d, c
Letter Formation For Little People
PLD Organisation Pty. Ltd.
101
e
l
p
m
Sa
.
d
t
L
.
n Pty
o
i
t
a
s
i
rgan
O
D
L
P
©
Letter Group 2: m, r, h, e, d, c - Gameboard 1. Photocopy onto coloured paper and laminate. If necessary, enlarge to A3 size.
Roll a dice and move counter.
Say the sound.
Say oral cue.
Write the letter on a magnadoodle or white board.
Rules:
Letter Formations - Group 2: m, r, h, e, d, c
Letter Formation For Little People
PLD Organisation Pty. Ltd.
137
e
l
p
m
Sa
.
d
t
L
.
n Pty
o
i
t
a
s
i
rgan
O
D
L
©P
Letter Group 2: m, r, h, e, d, c (Incudes Group 1) - Gameboard 2. Photocopy onto coloured paper and laminate. If necessary, enlarge to
Roll a dice and move counter.
Say the sound.
Say oral cue.
Write the letter on a magnadoodle or white board.
A3 size. Rules:
138
Letter Formation For Little People
PLD Organisation Pty. Ltd.
Letter Formations - Group 2: m, r, h, e, d, c
e
l
p
m
Sa
.
d
t
L
.
n Pty
io
t
a
s
i
n
a
g
r
O
LD
©P
Letter Group 2 upper case letters. - Photocopy and enlarge as required to introduce capitals.
Letter Formations - Group 2: m, r, h, e, d, c
Letter Formation For Little People
PLD Organisation Pty. Ltd.
139
Letter Checkers
Child’s Name:
Letter Group 1: s, a, t, p, i, n/Letter Group 2: m, r, h, e, d, c
Instructions: Teacher to review child’s ability to form the following letters correctly. Teacherto say sound and
child to write independently. If unable to form independently allow opportunity to copy letter.
Letter
Independent
Copy
a
s
t
p
i
.
n
d
t
L
.
y
t
P
n
o
i
t
a
s
i
m
n
a
g
r
O
D
L
P
r©
h
e
d
c
e
l
p
m
Sa
140
Letter Formation For Little People
PLD Organisation Pty. Ltd.
Letter Formations - Group 2: m, r, h, e, d, c
Additional
Information
This section provides additional information about:
• ‘b’ and ‘d’ recognition
e
l
p
m
Sa
• putting letters on lines
• letter placement and
• pencil control.
Alphabet Desk Mats and Alphabet Desk Strips
provide a good reminder for letter starting points.
.
d
t
L
.
n Pty
Available at www.pld-literacy.org
Alphabet
Desk Mats
o
i
t
a
s
i
rgan
O
D
L
P
©
Alphabet Desk Strips
Additional Information
Letter Formation For Little People
PLD Organisation Pty. Ltd.
249
Additional Information: ‘b’ and ‘d’ Reversals
Regardless of which handwriting font is
being taught in the classroom, children
are exposed to a multitude of different
fonts in their everyday life, this includes
text in books, magazines, shop signage,
on computer screens, even handwritten
notes. It is common for children to make
reversals in both their reading and writing
with b and d. This is may possibly be due
to their visual perceptual development,
to poor letter sound correspondence
or difficulty in writing the letters. It is
hoped that the introduction of the letters
separately helps to consolidate that letter
before the other is introduced, however
if children continual to make the error it is
sometimes useful to give them other tools
to assist their memory. One example of a
memory aide is ‘b for big belly man’, and
‘d for dog’. It is suggested that these be
used in conjunction with the worksheets
provided and the memory games.
‘b’ for big belly man
‘d’ is for dog
His back is against the wall.
He has a big belly.
Add head, skinny legs
and arms.
Draw his body.
Add his tail.
Add head, eyes, nose and
ears and then his legs
e
l
p
m
Sa
Games And Activities For ‘b’ And ‘d’ Recognition
The following pages contain:
•Worksheets for students to practise writing ‘b’ and ‘d’ letters.
•The letters ‘b’ and ‘d’ for playing the games below.
•The letters ‘p’, ‘g’ and ‘q’ which children sometimes also mix up. The games below can also be played
using these letters.
.
d
t
L
.
n Pty
Games for ‘b’ and ‘d’ recognition.
Sorting ‘b’ and ‘d’ letters:Photocopy and laminate the page of ‘b’ and ‘d’ letters. Form a small
o
i
t
a
s
i
rgan
pile and face down. Child to sort onto sorting mat as fast as they can.
O
D
L
©P
Fast talking ‘b’ and ‘d’ letters:Photocopy and laminate the page of ‘b’ and ‘d’ letters several times.
Put onto a small ring and use a set of flash cards. Children to turn over
and say letter sound as fast as they can.
‘b’ and ‘d’ memory game:Using the laminated ‘b’ and ‘d’ letters as above, create a game of
memory. Ensure there are equal numbers of pairs of b’s and d’s. Place
face down on a flat surface and children to take turns turning over two
cards at a time. They are trying to find marching pairs of the letters. The
child with the most pairs wins.
250
Letter Formation For Little People
PLD Organisation Pty. Ltd.
Additional Information
Trace over the d in the dog.
e
l
p
m
Sa
Draw your dog, starting with his body.
.
d
t
L
.
n Pty
o
i
t
a
s
i
rgan
O
D
L
P
©
Write 5 d’s with your
Write 5 d’s with your
eyes open.
eyes closed.
‘b’ and ‘d’ Letter Recognition Worksheet 3.
Additional Information
Letter Formation For Little People
PLD Organisation Pty. Ltd.
253
Additional Information: Putting Letters On Lines
The lower case letters of the alphabet can be divided into the following:
bdfhklt
Little letters (grass letters if using Earth paper) a c e i m n o r d u v w x z
Tail Letters (underground letters if using Earth paper) f g j p q y
f falls into both a tall letter and a tail letter category.
Tall Letters (sky letters if using Earth paper)
Once children have are familiar and competent at their letter formations, they are then ready to place them
on the lines. The type of paper you select to use, or have available to you, will determine the instructions you
use to guide children to place their letters.
It is suggested that letters be introduced according to their size e.g. all the tall letters, and/or all the tail letters
and/or all the little letters.
In combination with rehearsal during everyday writing activities the games on pages 251 and 253 can be
adapted to ensuring letters are correctly placed on lines.
Other rehearsal activities include copying sentences e.g. those on pages, or from other children’s texts onto
lined paper. The copying removes the demand to generate the sentences but allows the child to practice
placing the letters on the lines.
e
l
p
m
Sa
Additional Information: Letter Placement - Sentences To Copy
bdfhklt
the hot bad fox ran down the hall
did the long tree hit the sky?
i love going to bed with a cup of milk
.
d
t
L
.
n Pty
o
i
t
a
s
i
jumpn
up quickly
rga
fgjpqy
O
D
L
P
©
find the green jelly
the queen gets grumpy
aceimnorduvwxz
my mum can run
i can see the zoo
the fox is the one to win
258
Letter Formation For Little People
PLD Organisation Pty. Ltd.
Additional Information
Pencil Control Sheets: Fill in the shapes.
e
l
p
m
Sa
.
d
t
L
.
n Pty
io
t
a
s
i
n
a
g
r
O
LD
©P
Additional Information
Letter Formation For Little People
PLD Organisation Pty. Ltd.
261