Teaching Handwriting

1 Basic Considerations
The Aim of Teaching Handwriting
In primary schools, the aim of teaching handwriting is to teach each child to write legibly,
fluently, without strain, and with sufficient speed for all practical purposes.
To realise this aim, the basic script, with its development to the cursive form described in
this booklet, should be taught in all primary and intermediate schools.
The purpose of using the same system in all schools is to produce continuity and
consistency in the teaching and learning of handwriting. Such a statement does not deny
freedom for individual differences and growth, nor does it ignore the fact that
handwriting is highly individualistic. Throughout this booklet, there is frequent reference
to the individual differences between children and the need for teachers to accept the
resulting modifications of letter forms provided that the essential form is not distorted.
Teachers should not rigidly insist on the precise, standardised reproduction of model
letter shapes, but should emphasise rather the way the pencil or pen is moved to form the
letters. The central theme of this booklet is that, to achieve the aim, a child’s task is to
learn efficient movements rather than to copy model shapes. A teacher can teach
movement – a sample alphabet cannot. Instruction needs to be informed and consistent,
providing a base on which individual handwriting may progressively develop.
Handwriting is still a necessary skill in our society, and the development of an efficient,
individual style depends on the mastery of basic skills, which can be achieved only by
competent teaching and regular practice. To achieve a consistent approach in all classes,
every teacher should understand and use the style described in this book. Where
implementation of this handwriting style requires major changes to school schemes, it is
suggested that the changes should be introduced at the junior class level and be allowed
to grow up through the school.
Basic Script
The lower case letters of basic script are: