UNIT 1: F E D P  R N 

The Scope & Sequence of Printing defines the content and order of printing instruction. The skills needed for printing develop as early as Pre-K. Although we do not teach printing formally at the Pre-K level, we can create an environment and encourage activities to develop good habits that students need in kindergarten. The secret is to teach skills in a way that makes learning natural, easy, and fun.

Type of Instruction

Informal/Structured: A variety of activities address the broad range of letter and school readiness skills. Formal/Structured:

Teacher-directed activities are presented in a more precise order with specific objectives.

Handwriting Sequence

Pre-Strokes: Shapes: Capitals/Numbers: Lowercase Letters:

These are beginning marks that can be random or deliberate. These are often introduced before letters and are a foundation for letter formation skills. These use simple shapes and strokes. They have the same size, start, and position. These are tall, small, and descending symbols with more complex strokes, sizes, starts, and positions.

Stages of Learning

Pre-Instruction Readiness: Attention, behavior, language, and fine motor skills for beginning writing. Stage 1–Direct Instruction: Watch someone form a letter first, and then write it. Stage 2–Guided Practice: Look at a letter and then write it. Stage 3–Independent Practice: Write without watching someone or even seeing a letter.

Physical Approach

Crayon Use:

Crayons prepare children to use pencils. Small crayon use encourages proper grip.

Pencil Use:

Proper pencil grip facilitates good handwriting. In kindergarten, children transfer their crayon grip to pencils.

Posture:

Good sitting posture promotes good handwriting. This is taught in kindergarten.

Paper Placement:

Printing Skills

Primary Skills

Correct paper placement helps children move the writing hand across the page. Paper placement is different for left- and right-handed children.

– Memory: Remember and write dictated letters and numbers.

– Orientation: Face letters and numbers in the correct direction.

– Start: – Sequence: Begin each letter or number correctly. Make the letter strokes in the correct order.

Secondary Skills

– Placement: – Size: – Spacing: Place letters and numbers on the base line. Write in a consistent, grade-appropriate size. Place letters in words close, put space between words.

Functional Writing

Letters/numbers, words, sentences, paragraphs, and writing in all subjects