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      Pre-cursive formation of v, w, x and z

      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can form the pre-cursive letters v, w, x and z.

      Key learning points

      1. The pre-cursive letters v, w, x and z are all x-height letters
      2. The pre-cursive letters v and w have a lead out on the x-height line
      3. The pre-cursive letters x and z don't have a lead out
      4. Break letters are letters that don't join other letters
      5. The pre-cursive letters x and z are break letters

      Keywords

      • X-height letters - letters that sit between the baseline and the x-height line

      • 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

      • Break letter - a letter that starts or ends with a pencil lift and doesn't join to another letter

      Common misconception

      Children may assume all pre-cursive letters have a lead out.

      When modelling the break letters, ensure to emphasise 'break' to remind the children not to add a lead out.

      Teacher tip

      Using the visual of the letters not holding hands can support children to remember that certain letters do not join.

      Content guidance

      Risk assessment required - physical activity

      Supervision

      Adult supervision required

      Licence

      This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0
      except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions
      (Collection 2).

      Lesson video

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      Prior knowledge starter quiz

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      Select the correct formation of the lower case letter e in print.

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      Correct Answer: An image in a quiz
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      Q2.
      Select the correct formation of the lower case letter s in print.

      Correct Answer: An image in a quiz
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      Q3.
      Select the correct formation of the lower case letter f in print.

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      Correct Answer: An image in a quiz
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      Q4.
      Select the correct formation of the pre-cursive letter m.

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      Correct Answer: An image in a quiz
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      Q5.
      Select the correct formation of the pre-cursive letter h.

      Correct Answer: An image in a quiz
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      Q6.
      Select the correct formation of the pre-cursive letter q.

      Correct Answer: An image in a quiz
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      An image in a quiz
      An image in a quiz

      To help you plan your 2 English lesson on: Pre-cursive formation of v, w, x and z, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...