Formation of e, s, f, v, w, x and z
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can form the letters e, s, f, v, w, x and z.
Key learning points
- The letters e, s, v, w, x and z are all x-height letters.
- The letter f has an ascender and a descender.
- The letters v and w are both formed by going diagonally down and back up.
- The letter x is formed by making two diagonal straight lines crossing in the centre.
- The letter z is formed by a zig-zag pattern with a straight, then diagonal and then a straight line.
Keywords
X-height letter - letters that sit between the baseline and the x-height line
Ascender - the part of a letter that extends above the x-height line
Descender - the part of a letter that descends below the baseline
Anti-clockwise direction - moving or going in the opposite direction of a clock's hands
Diagonal line - a line that slants or leans
Common misconception
There is a tendency for children to form the letter z backwards.
Model with directions in the room - 'straight across towards the door, diagonally back to the window, straight across to the door again'.
Teacher tip
Having pictures around the classroom of the letters will support children with their writing. Pictures which show the starting point and direction the pencil will travel first is very useful.
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 letter e in print.
Q2.Select the correct formation of the lower case letter s in print.
Q3.Select the correct formation of the lower case letter f in print.
Q4.Select the correct formation of the lower case letter v in print.
Q5.Select the correct formation of the lower case letter w in print.
Q6.Select the correct formation of the lower case letters x and z in print.
To help you plan your 2 English lesson on: Formation of e, s, f, v, w, x and z, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 2 English lesson on: Formation of e, s, f, v, w, x and z, 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 Lower case letters revision unit, dive into the full primary English curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.