LA 9.01Writing Words on Lined Paper
The child writes words on lined paper, keeping letters on the line and leaving spaces between words.
Presentation
Search videos (opens YouTube in a new tab)- 1
Review the three lines: top line, middle dotted line, and bottom (base) line.
- 2
As a reminder, write one short letter that reaches the middle line ("a") and one tall letter that reaches the top line ("l").
- 3
Build a word with the Moveable Alphabet, then copy it onto the paper, saying each sound.
- 4
Place one finger after the word to show the space before the next word.
- 5
Invite the child to build and copy two or three more words.
- 6
Ask the child to read their line of words back to you.
What catches the child’s eye
- The dotted middle line that a short letter just reaches
- A finger laid down as the space between words
Extensions, easiest to hardest
- Writing words from memory without building them first
- Writing a list of words on a topic
- Using narrower lines as control increases
Control of error
The lines on the paper show size; the Moveable Alphabet word shows the letters.
Ready to move on when the child…
- Writes words with letters sitting on the baseline
- Leaves a finger space between words
- Writes tall and short letters at the correct height
Guide note
Left-handed writers tilt the paper to the right and may need the Moveable Alphabet word placed above the paper, not to the left, so the hand does not cover it.