Practising handwriting by writing dialogue
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can write correctly punctuated dialogue in legible, cursive handwriting.
Key learning points
- Direct speech is signalled to the reader in text by inverted commas.
- Direct speech can be written in a speech first sentence or a speech second sentence.
- Direct speech always starts with a capital letter.
- After forming a capital letter, you need to lift your pencil to start the next part of the word.
- The writing is legible and the letter sizing is consistent.
Keywords
Direct speech - the term used for a character speaking out loud in a text
Inverted commas - a pair of punctuation marks that signal direct speech to the reader
Speech first sentence - a sentence that includes direct speech first before the reporting clause
Speech second sentence - a sentence that includes direct speech second after the reporting clause
Common misconception
Some children might forget to add the capital letter for the direct speech within a speech second sentence or might try to join the capital letter to the other letters.
Model the habit of looking and thinking about your sentence before you write it. Where will my punctuation be? Where will my capital letters be? This way children will have the time to think about it before they start writing.
Teacher tip
Writing dialogue in cursive can slow down the flow of the children's writing as they are thinking about the punctuation. Remind the children it is not just about speed but balancing accuracy and legibility too.
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.Tall letters are also know as...
Q2.Which cursive letter join is being used in this letter string?
Q3.Which cursive letter join is being used in this letter string?
Q4.True or false? This letter string uses all four cursive letter joins.
Q5.Finding a balance between writing at speed and accurate letter formation involves...
Q6.Which join is not being used in this letter string?
To help you plan your 5 English lesson on: Practising handwriting by writing dialogue, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 5 English lesson on: Practising handwriting by writing dialogue, 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 2 English lessons from the Building handwriting fluency through speed, choices and writing dialogue unit, dive into the full primary English curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.