Letter Sizing with Spring Printable
There are many elements to handwriting, including letter formation of uppercase and lowercase letters, writing on the line, correct spacing between letters and words, and using the correct size for each letter. In this blog, you will learn more about letter sizing, including why and how to teach it, as well as a free spring-themed printable to practice correct letter sizing.
What is it and why is it important?
Kids often learn how to write uppercase letters first, which are all the same size. So when kids learn to write lowercase letters, they usually begin by making all of the letters the same size as well. Over time, kids will begin to recognize that lowercase letters have different size, which in turn produces more legible work. For example, comparing an ‘a’ and a ‘d,’ they will look like the same letter if one isn’t written smaller (or shorter) than the other.
Tips for teaching it:
- Use 3-lined paper to practice letters. This makes it more clear to have a top, middle, and bottom line.
- Teach terms such as tall, short, and tail letters.
- Tall letters reach the top line (i.e. b, d, f, k, t)
- Short letters stay in the middle (i.e. a, e, r, s, w)
- Tail letters hand below the bottom line (i.e. g, j, p, y)
- Use even more kid-friendly descriptors when talking about the lines such as the top line being the “sky line” and the bottom/middle is the “grass area.”
- Draw boxes on 3-lined paper as a visual cue for correct letter sizing when copying words
Be sure to check out our FREE Spring Handwriting Printable to practice correct letter sizing!
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