Year 2 English - Handwriting: A Guide to Learning and Resources

Handwriting is an essential skill that forms the foundation of effective written communication. In Year 2, children build on their earlier handwriting skills, learning to write with greater precision and consistency. At PrimaryLeap, we offer a variety of resources, including printable worksheets and interactive lessons, to support children in mastering handwriting. This article outlines what children will learn in Year 2 English - Handwriting, based on the UK national curriculum, and highlights the resources available to help them succeed.

Objectives of Year 2 Handwriting

Forming Lower-Case Letters

In Year 2, pupils are taught to form lower-case letters of the correct size relative to one another. This includes ensuring that letters like 'a', 'c', and 'e' are the same height and that taller letters like 'b', 'd', and 'h' are proportionate.

Beginning to Join Letters

Children start using some of the diagonal and horizontal strokes needed to join letters. They also learn which letters, when adjacent to one another, are best left unjoined. This foundational skill sets the stage for more fluent cursive writing in later years.

Writing Capital Letters and Digits

Pupils learn to write capital letters and digits with the correct size, orientation, and relationship to one another and to lower-case letters. This ensures that their writing is clear and legible.

Using Appropriate Spacing

Proper spacing between words is crucial for readability. Children learn to use spacing that reflects the size of the letters, making their writing more organised and easy to read.

Key Learning Areas

Lower-Case Letters

Mastering lower-case letters involves ensuring they are the correct size relative to one another. Our resources to support this include:

• Lower-Case Letter Formation Worksheets: Activities that help children practise writing lower-case letters correctly, focusing on size and proportion.

Joining Letters

Learning to join letters smoothly is an important step in developing cursive handwriting. Our resources include:

• Letter Joining Practice: Worksheets that introduce children to diagonal and horizontal strokes needed to join letters, as well as teaching which letters should remain unjoined.

Capital Letters and Digits

Ensuring that capital letters and digits are the correct size and orientation is crucial for legibility. Our resources include:

• Capital Letters Worksheets: Exercises that help children practise writing capital letters and digits correctly in relation to lower-case letters.

Spacing Between Words

Appropriate spacing between words is essential for clear writing. Our resources include:

• Spacing Practice Worksheets: Activities that teach children how to use appropriate spacing between words to improve the readability of their writing.

Year 2 is a critical year for developing advanced handwriting skills. By focusing on forming lower-case letters, beginning to join letters, writing capital letters and digits, and using appropriate spacing, children build a strong foundation for future writing success. PrimaryLeap is committed to supporting this development with a variety of resources that make learning handwriting both effective and enjoyable. Explore our extensive collection of worksheets and interactive lessons to help your child excel in their Year 2 English handwriting journey.