The first join: ag, ac, na and to with no lead in
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can correctly form the first join.
Key learning points
- The letters are formed by following the right starting point and direction.
- Cursive letter joins refer to how the letters connect together.
- The pencil does not lift when forming the join.
- The first join goes from the baseline to the x-height line.
- The cross for the letter t gets added once the letter string is complete.
Keywords
Cursive - style of handwriting where the letters are joined together in a flowing and connected manner
Join - connecting together
Lead out - the stroke or line that guides us to smoothly finish a letter
Baseline - this is the line that most letters sit on
X-height line - this is the line that x-height letters reach
Common misconception
Children will often want to add the 'cross' for the t while forming the t which would break the flow of joining.
Model and emphasise to the children that the pencil doesn't come off the page until the letter string is complete. Then, you can add the missing parts like the cross for the t.
Teacher tip
Give the children a visual of the letters being joined together by holding hands. If you lift your pencil then you are breaking the connection and they can't hold hands.
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.True or False? Cursive handwriting is 'joined up' handwriting.
Q2.Match the capital letter with its corresponding lower case letter.
s
t
u
v
Q3.Match the capital letter to its corresponding lower case letter.
w
x
y
z
Q4.Which is the correct formation of the letter x in print?
Q5.Which is the correct formation of the letter y in print?
Q6.Which is the correct formation of the letter z in print?
To help you plan your 2 English lesson on: The first join: ag, ac, na and to with no lead in, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 2 English lesson on: The first join: ag, ac, na and to with no lead in, 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.