Other lessons in the week are much shorter and provide pupils with further opportunities to practice formations. This is done in their personal handwriting workbook. For pupils who need additional handwriting intervention, there is a separate program that is used to ensure accelerated progress. Handwriting homework may also be given for these pupils. For examples of what the pupils do in lessons you can view these screen capture videos for Year 2 and Year 4 lessons: All year groups will begin with a discreet lesson at the beginning of the week which introduces the new learning. Lessons include whole body and hand warm up movements, on-screen animations to show the correct formations for letters and joins, examples of handwriting for pupils to assess and plenty of opportunities for practicing. Many elements of the year group spelling and grammar curriculum are reinforced during these sessions.

At Horsenden we use a handwriting program called Penpals which runs from Nursery through to Year 6. For more information about the Penpals program you can view the following video: Penpals for Handwriting: An introduction to Penpals Penpals for Handwriting (second edition) is a complete handwriting scheme for 3-11 year olds. Penpals Foundation 2 Teacher's Book consolidates the gross and fine motor skills developed at Foundation 1 and introduces the letter family approach.The colourful and appealing Long-Legged Giraffe, Curly Caterpillar, One-Armed Robot and Zig-Zag Monster introduce children to letter formation in a fun and exciting way. Penpals Foundation 2 Teacher's Book includes suggestions for using the Foundation 2 Penpals for Handwriting Interactive resource, along with full differentiated planning for whole-class sessions for Foundation 1 and 2 children. In addition, a scope and sequence chart, photocopy masters and writing mats for left- and right-handers are included. The Teacher’s Book provides comprehensive teaching guidance for all units and includes: An outline of the unit’s key learning whole-class teaching support linked to Penpals Interactive links to the use of the corresponding Practice Books and workbooks with suggestions for both group work and independent work. suggestions for extra practice and home practice. Guidance on common errors and what to do about them.