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The second join: el, mb, at and tt with no lead in

Lesson details

Learning outcome

I can correctly form the second join.

Key learning points

  1. The letters are formed by following the right starting point and direction.
  2. The second join goes from the baseline to the ascender line when joining to a tall letter.
  3. The second join goes from the baseline to in between the x-height line and the ascender line when joining the letter t.
  4. The pencil only lifts to add the cross to the t once you have finished the letter string.
  5. When two letter ts are together, one cross can go across both.

Keywords

  • Join - how things connect

  • Lead out - the stroke or line that guides us to smoothly finish a letter

  • Letter string - a group of letters that are written together in a word

  • Starting point - the point the formation of a letter begins on the tramlines

  • Ascender line - this is the line that letters with ascenders reach up to

Common misconception

Children often want to add the cross for the t when forming that letter rather than waiting to the end of the letter string.

Emphasise the flowing motion of cursive writing. The letters need to be joined together so the pencil needs to stay on the page.

Teacher tip

Within these lessons, the letter t doesn't reach the ascender line. If your school approaches this differently then adapt the lessons appropriately.

Content guidance

Risk assessment required - physical activity

Supervision

Adult supervision required

Licence

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2026), 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.
Match the lower case letters to their capital letter.

Correct Answer:B,b

b

Correct Answer:D,d

d

Correct Answer:G,g

g

Correct Answer:Q,q

q

Correct Answer:R,r

r

Q2.
Select the correct formation of the first join of 'an'.

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

Q3.
Select the correct formation of the first join of 'ap'.

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

Q4.
Select the correct formation of the first join of 'ar'.

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

Q5.
Select the correct formation of the first join of 'aw'.

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

Q6.
True or false? The join for 'ig' is an example of the first join as the join is from the baseline to the x-height line.

Correct Answer: true, True

To help you plan your 2 English lesson on: The second join: el, mb, at and tt with no lead in, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...