We are having a cursive push with our handwriting across all year groups and all the evidence shows that our children are rising to the challenge. Check out these pictures of Year One and Three during their regular handwriting practice.Practice makes perfect. For more information, check out Mrs Morrison's workshop at this link:

https://www.st-stephens.richmond.sch.uk/cursivewriting

Jess Morrison, our Deputy Head, explains our cursive strategy: "We launched an initiative for all children to write in a cursive script at the start of this term, and it is going well. Children have a daily, ten-minute handwriting practice session and are learning how to write in a continuous script. We decided to switch to this mode of handwriting for a number of reasons and feel it is so beneficial for our children. Here's why:

• By making each letter in one movement, children’s hands develop a ‘physical memory’ of it, making it easier to produce the correct shape.

• Because letters and words flow from left to right, children are less likely to reverse letters which are typically difficult (like b/d or p/q)

• There is a clearer distinction between capital letters and lower case

• “The continuous flow of writing ultimately improves speed and spelling.” (The British Dyslexia Association)"

If you would like to help your children at home, we recommend the Cursive Writing Wizard, £4.99 and Crazy Cursive Letters, £2.99 apps. There are also some handwriting resources on our website, just follow this link:

https://www.st-stephens.richmond.sch.uk/english