English · Letter sounds
Letter formation
Trace letters top-to-bottom, correct starting point.
Starting at the top
When we write letters, we start at the top. This helps us write neatly and quickly. Think of climbing down a ladder – we start high!
Trace with your finger
Before you write, trace the letter with your finger. Feel where it starts. Feel which way it goes. This helps your hand remember.
Top to bottom lines
Many letters have lines that go down. We draw these lines from top to bottom. Letter 'l' goes straight down from the top.
Curves and circles
Some letters have curves or circles. We still start these at the top. Letter 'c' starts at the top right.
Worked examples
1. Show how to write the letter 't'.
- Put your pencil at the top.
- Draw a line straight down.
- Lift your pencil.
- Draw a short line across the middle.
2. Show how to write the letter 'c'.
- Put your pencil at the top right.
- Draw a curve going left and down.
- Stop before you close the circle.
3. Show how to write the letter 'i'.
- Put your pencil near the top.
- Draw a short line straight down.
- Lift your pencil.
- Put a dot on top.
Try it yourself
Where do you start writing the letter 'd'?
Ready to test yourself?
Take a short topic test — every question maps to a syllabus point so you’ll see exactly which parts you’ve mastered.