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The third join: on, om, ow, oi with no lead in

Lesson details

Learning outcome

I can correctly form the third join.

Key learning points

  1. The letters are formed by following the right starting point and direction.
  2. The third join starts at the x-height line and dips below the x-height line and back up to join the next letter.
  3. The letter strings are all x-height letters.
  4. When using the third join you leave enough space to ensure the letters are not touching without leaving a big gap.
  5. You don't lift your pencil until the letter string is complete. The dot for the i is added at the end.

Keywords

  • Join - how things connect

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

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

  • Dips below - dropping under something

  • X-height line - this is the line that x-height letters reach

Common misconception

Children will often want to take their pencil off to form the join or add the dot to the i midway through 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. Make a point of exaggerating that the dot is added at the end of the letter i.

Teacher tip

Teach children to recognise and correct their own mistakes. This not only improves their writing but also builds their confidence.

Content guidance

Risk assessment required - physical activity

Supervision

Adult supervision required

Licence

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), 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.
True or false. Cursive handwriting is also known as joined up handwriting.

Correct Answer: true, True

Q2.
Select the correct formation of the second join ch.

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 second join ck.

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

Q4.
Select the correct formation of the second join lk.

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 second join nk.

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

Q6.
The second join goes from the baseline up towards the...

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

To help you plan your 2 English lesson on: The third join: on, om, ow, oi with no lead in, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...