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      The second join: il, it, ik, ul 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. All of the letters have a starting point on the x-height line.
      3. The second join goes from the baseline to the ascender line when joining to a tall letter.
      4. The second join goes from the baseline to in between the x-height line and the ascender line when joining the letter t.
      5. The pencil only lifts to add the dot to the i and the cross to the t once you have finished the letter string.

      Keywords

      • Join - how things connect

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

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

      • Baseline - this is the line that most letters sit on

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

      Common misconception

      Children often want to add the dot for the i and 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

      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

      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.
      The first join goes from the baseline to the ...

      ascender line.
      baseline.
      Correct answer: x-height line.
      descender line.

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

      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 'eg'.

      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 'id'.

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

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

      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 'an' uses the first join connecting from the baseline to the x-height line.

      Correct Answer: true, True

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