Formation of c, a and d
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can form the letters c, a and d.
Key learning points
- The letters c, a and d are all formed by going round anti-clockwise.
- The letter a is formed by "going all the way round, down and flick".
- The letter d is formed by "going round and back up, down and ending with a flick".
- The letters a and c are x-height letters.
- The letter d has an ascender.
Keywords
X-height letter - letters that reach the middle height on the line
Ascender - the part of a letter that extends above the level of the top of an "x"
Anti-clockwise - moving or going in the opposite direction of a clock's hands
Flick - a small, quick movement we make at the end of some letters
Common misconception
Children can get confused about the direction to take when forming this letter.
Be very explicit about going anti-clockwise, use a clock to emphasise this to the children.
Teacher tip
To support students with the anti-clockwise direction you can add an arrow on their whiteboard/paper.
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 letter b.
Q2.Select the correct formation of the letter p.
Q3.Select the letter c.
Q4.Select the letter a.
Q5.Select the letter d.
Q6.Match the word with the definition.
part of a letter that reaches above the x-height line
part of a letter that goes below the baseline
letters that sit between the baseline and the x-height line
To help you plan your 1 English lesson on: Formation of c, a and d, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 1 English lesson on: Formation of c, a and d, 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 Writing lower case letters in print unit, dive into the full primary English curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.