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Formation of v,w, x and z

Lesson details

Learning outcome

I can form the letters v, w, x and z.

Key learning points

  1. The letters v, w, x and z are all x-height letters.
  2. The letters v and w are formed by "going diagonally down and back up".
  3. The letter x is formed by making two diagonal straight lines crossing in the centre.
  4. The letter z is formed by a zigzag pattern with a straight, then diagonal and then a straight line.

Keywords

  • X-height letter - letters that reach the middle height on the line

  • Diagonal line - a line that slants or leans

  • Straight line - a line that doesn't curve or bend

  • Zigzag - connected diagonal lines that alternate in direction

Common misconception

There is a tendency for children to form the letter z backwards.

Model with directions in the room - 'straight across towards the door, diagonally back to the window, straight across to the door again'.

Teacher tip

Having pictures around the classroom of the letters will support children with their writing. Pictures which show the starting point and direction the pencil will travel first is very useful.

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.
Select the correct formation of the lower case letter e.

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

Q2.
Select the correct formation of the lower case letter s in print.

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

Q3.
Select the correct formation of the lower case letter f in print.

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 letter v.

w
Correct answer: v
Correct answer: v
Correct answer: v
w

Q5.
Select the letter w.

Correct answer: w
v
u
Correct answer: w
Correct answer: w

Q6.
Select the letters x and z.

Correct answer: x
w
y
Correct answer: z
s

To help you plan your 1 English lesson on: Formation of v,w, x and z, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...