Handwriting in Reception at Fairfields
In Reception we teach daily whole-class handwriting sessions using the structured Little Wandle handwriting programme. It is a systematic and research-informed early handwriting approach. The programme is designed to run alongside our phonic teaching and provides a strong foundation for teaching letter formation and developing writing fluency. Consequently our children are well prepared for writing as they transition into KS1. 

Delivery: 

• We use the structured and evidence based Little Wandle handwriting programme.
• We teach a daily whole class 15-minute session. We sit at tables and use the LW resources.
• For lessons 1 to 3, we use the Lesson templates and Unit guidance alongside the worksheets to teach one letter per day.
• In the fourth and fifth lesson, we use a lined whiteboard (Autumn term) moving onto lined paper /pencil in Spring and Summer to review and consolidate the week’s learning. We focus on correcting any issues with letter starting points/formation of letters/pencil grip identified.
• We also learn and practise letter formation in phonics as we learn the sounds; this is done initially on lined whiteboards/pens moving onto lined paper/pencils. 

Handwriting lessons will follow this format: 

1. Hand warm up.
2. Introduce the letter and formation phrase.
3. Form the letter in the air.
4. Form the letter on the palm of the hand.
5. Trace the mnemonic with a finger.
6. Write the letter.
7. For steps 2 to 5, the teacher provides strong modelling and then the children join in.

Key assessment criteria

For every letter, we check that a child:

 Follows the four Ps:

• Sits with the correct posture

• Uses the correct pencil grip

• Holds their paper in the correct position

• Applies appropriate pressure

• Starts and finishes letters in the correct place and follows the correct orientation

• Recites the formation phrase to help them remember the letter formation

Autumn Term Preparation and practice (suggested time 4 weeks) • Teach the ‘Ready to write’ checklist • Engage in motor development activities • Practise with patterns
Week 1	Unit 1: Practising patterns Horizontal lines, Vertical lines, Wavy lines, Circles
Week 2	Up curves, Down curves, Mixed‑height curves, Letter C
Week 3	Spirals, Crosses, Turrets, Diagonals
Week 4	Zig-zags, Sideways V, Letter X, Triangles (Week 4)
Teach lower-case letter formation (suggested time 9 weeks) • Teach the lower‑case letters in families • Use Assessment for Learning to reteach and review
Week 5	Unit 2: Curly letter family c, a, d
Week 6	g, o, q
Week 7	e, s, f
Week 8	Unit 3: Long letter family l, i, t
Week 9	j, u, y
Week 10	Unit 4: Bouncy letter family m, n, r
Week 11	b, p, h
Week 12	Unit 5: Zig‑zag letter family v, w, x
Week 13	z, k
Week 14	Assess and review week. Review lower‑case letters as needed.

 

Spring Term Teach capital letter formation (suggested time 11 weeks) • Teach capital letters • Review lower‑case letters alongside capitals • Use Assessment for Learning to reteach and review
Week 1	Unit 6: Capital letters Cc, Aa, Dd
Week 2	Gg, Oo, Qq
Week 3	Ee, Ss, Ff
Week 4	Ll, Ii, Tt
Week 5	Jj, Uu, Yy
Week 6	Assess and review week (before or after half‑term)
Week 7	Mm, Nn, Rr
Week 8	Bb, Pp, Hh
Week 9	Vv, Ww, Xx
Week 10	Zz, Kk
Week 11	Assess and review week. Review capital letters as needed.

 

Summer Term Practice in digraphs, trigraphs and words (suggested time 9+ weeks) • Assess and review lower‑case and capital letters as needed • Practise letter formation in digraphs and trigraphs • Practise letter formation in words • Use Assessment for Learning to reteach and review
Week 1	Unit 7: Digraphs and Trigraphs ff, ll, ss
Week 2	zz, ck, qu
Week 3	ch, sh, th
Week 4	ng, nk, ai
Week 5	ee, igh, oa
Week 6	Assess and review week (before or after half‑term)
Week 7	oo, ar, or
Week 8	ur, ow, oi
Week 9	ear, air, er
Week 10	Assess and review
Week 11	Assess and review
Week 12	Assess and review

 

Hand warm‑up routines

SUPPORTING CHILDREN TO DEVELOP FLUENT HANDWRITING

Before engaging in handwriting or fine motor tasks, it is important that children have the opportunity to warm up their hands. Hand exercises help the brain increase awareness of where the hands are, improve coordination, prepare the body for controlled movements and furthermore aid precision.

Hand exercises

We choose five of these exercises for the start of each lesson – we try to include a variety each week.

1. Rub hands together

Rub hands together until they feel warm. Move them up and down, or in circular motions to stimulate blood flow.

2. Push palms together

Push the palms firmly together and hold for five seconds. Repeat a few times.

3. Finger stretches

Open hands wide, stretching fingers as far apart as you can. Then make a tight fist, hiding fingers away inside the palm.

4. Drumming fingers

Drum fingers on the table, one finger at a time. This can be extended to tapping a rhythm.

5. Squeeze forearms and hands

Use the left hand to squeeze the right forearm and hand firmly, applying gentle pressure to stimulate the muscles and increase awareness. Swap hands.

6. Pulling fingers (like taking off a glove)

With one hand, grasp each finger of the other hand in turn and gently pull downward, as if taking off a glove. Repeat for the other hand.

7. Oppose thumb to each fingertip

Touch the thumb to each fingertip of the same hand in turn. For more challenge, this can be done with both hands at the same time, or with your eyes closed.

8. Finger circle tug

Form a circle with the thumb and index finger. Then form another circle with the other hand, within that circle, and try to pull them apart.