Pre-cursive formation of m, n, and r
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can form the pre-cursive letters m, n and r.
Key learning points
- The pre-cursive letters m, n and r all have a lead in and a lead out
- The pre-cursive letters m, n and r are all x-height letters
- The pre-cursive letter r has a dip down below the x-height line as the lead out
- The pre-cursive letters m, n and r all start on the baseline for their lead in
- The pre-cursive letters m and n are formed in similar ways
Keywords
Pre-cursive - the stage of writing where children begin to learn and practise the joining of individual letters, preparing them for cursive writing
Lead in - the stroke or line that guides us into starting a letter
Lead out - the stroke or line that guides us to smoothly finish a letter
X-height letter - letters that sit between the baseline and the x-height line
Common misconception
The lead out on the pre-cursive letter r can be challenging and children can sometimes dip too far.
Lots of modelling and opportunities to trace the grey examples will support correct formation.
Teacher tip
You may want to introduce a fun way to do the letter r lead out. For example, 'then we do a little wiggle' as the lead out.
Content guidance
Risk assessment required - physical activity
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Select the correct formation of the lower case letters m and n in print.
Q2.Select the correct formation of the lower case letter r in print.
Q3.Select the correct formation of the pre-cursive letter i.
Q4.Select the correct formation of the pre-cursive letter l.
Q5.Select the correct formation of the pre-cursive letter t.
Q6.Order the journey of handwriting from single letters to joining writing.
To help you plan your 2 English lesson on: Pre-cursive formation of m, n, and r, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 2 English lesson on: Pre-cursive formation of m, n, and r, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 1 English lessons from the Pre-cursive lower case letters revision unit, dive into the full primary English curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.