Letter Formation

When teaching m-wh in IMSE’s sequence, letter formation is an important part of the lesson plan. After wh, you can teach letter formation to students who continue to struggle. Teaching print is an abstract skill. Letters typically start in “space” vs. on the line. Because of this, IMSE uses “House Paper” to help make this skill more concrete. 

Here are some tips: 

• Use the Blue Flip Chart to go through the steps with ease. 
• Use the screen, house paper, and green crayon when teaching each letter. 
• Always model first. Then work together. Then allow for independent practice. 
• When students are doing independent practice, encourage them to state the letter name and sound quietly so as not to distract their neighbors (since everyone works independently at different rates). 
• Teach capital letters as well if not already known. 
• IOG will create House Paper with any letter for you (capital or lowercase in either D’Nealian or Zaner-Bloser). 
• IMSE sells handwriting student practice books in both D’Nealian and Zaner-Bloser for your convenience.