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Year 1 - English

Formation of o, g and q

Writing lower case letters in print

Unit Summary

In this unit, pupils learn to sit comfortably and hold a pencil correctly. They learn handwriting patterns to help with letter formation and how to form all 26 lowercase letters in print. Finally, pupils practise forming letters in different letter families, for example ascenders and descenders.

Lesson Summary

You will learn to form the letters o, g and q.

Key Notes

  • The letters o, g and q are all formed by going round anti-clockwise.
  • The letters g and q have descenders.
  • The letter g is formed by "going round and down and curling up".
  • The letter q is formed by "going round and down and a diagonal line out to the side".

Vocabulary To Learn

  • anti-clockwise: moving or going in the opposite direction of a clock's hands
  • descender: the part of a letter that descends below the level of the bottom of an "x"
  • diagonal line: a line that slants or leans

Common Mistakes To Avoid

  • Children can get confused about the direction to take when forming the letters o, g and q.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

1. Explain this English learning goal in two key points.

The letters o, g and q are all formed by going round anti-clockwise. The letters g and q have descenders.

2. Define this language term and use it in a sentence. 'anti-clockwise'

moving or going in the opposite direction of a clock's hands.

3. Correct this common English misunderstanding.

Mistake: Children can get confused about the direction to take when forming the letters o, g and q. Correction: Be very explicit about going anti-clockwise, use a clock to emphasise this to the children.

More Lessons In This Unit

Browse all guides in the Year 1 English guide library.