Looped descenders and break letters
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can correctly form letters with looped descenders and know which letters are break letters.
Key learning points
- In cursive handwriting, letters with descenders use a lead out loop to join with the next letter in the letter string.
- The descenders for y, g, j and f have a loop to aid joining.
- The letter f has a lead in and a lead out loop to aid joining.
- Break letters are letters in the alphabet that do not join to the next letter in the letter string.
- The letters x and z are break letters.
Keywords
Descender - the part of a letter that descends below the level of the baseline
Lead out - the stroke or line that guides us to smoothly finish a letter and join to the next
Loop - a rounded shape made in certain letters
Letter string - a group of letters that are written together in a word
Break letter - a letter which doesn't join to the letter after it in a letter string
Common misconception
Some children might think the break letters don't join to any letters at all.
Model and frequently re-visit the concept that break letters do join to the letters before them but don't join to the letters after them. Over exaggerate when modelling that you lift your pencil after the break letter.
Teacher tip
In this lesson we introduce the letters z and x as the break letters. Some schools also include b, p, s and q as break letters. Adapt the lesson based on your setting.
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 y in print.
Q2.Select the correct formation of the lower case letter g in print.
Q3.Select the correct formation of the lower case letter j in print.
Q4.Select the correct formation of the lower case letter f in print.
Q5.Select the correct formation of the lower case letter x in print.
Q6.Select the correct formation of the lower case letter z in print.
To help you plan your 2 English lesson on: Looped descenders and break letters, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 2 English lesson on: Looped descenders and break letters, 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 The four joins and break letters, with no lead-ins unit, dive into the full primary English curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.