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Year 2 - English

The second join: il, it, ik, ul with no lead in

The four joins and break letters, with no lead-ins

Unit Summary

In this unit, pupils learn to form each of the four joins without lead ins. They practise using diagonal and horizontal strokes to connect letters and identify 'break letters' that do not join. Pupils also learn how to form looped descenders and how to end a join with a lead out.

Lesson Summary

You will learn to correctly form the second join.

Key Notes

  • The letters are formed by following the right starting point and direction.
  • All of the letters have a starting point on the x-height line.
  • The second join goes from the baseline to the ascender line when joining to a tall letter.
  • The second join goes from the baseline to in between the x-height line and the ascender line when joining the letter t.
  • The pencil only lifts to add the dot to the i and the cross to the t once you have finished the letter string.

Vocabulary To Learn

  • join: how things connect
  • starting point: the point the formation of a letter begins on the tramlines
  • lead out: the stroke or line that guides us to smoothly finish a letter
  • baseline: this is the line that most letters sit on
  • ascender line: this is the line that letters with ascenders reach up to

Common Mistakes To Avoid

  • Children often want to add the dot for the i and the cross for the t when forming that letter rather than waiting to the end of the letter string.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

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

The letters are formed by following the right starting point and direction. All of the letters have a starting point on the x-height line.

2. Define this language term and use it in a sentence. 'join'

how things connect.

3. Correct this common English misunderstanding.

Mistake: Children often want to add the dot for the i and the cross for the t when forming that letter rather than waiting to the end of the letter string. Correction: Emphasise the flowing motion of cursive writing. The letters need to be joined together so the pencil needs to stay on the page.

More Lessons In This Unit

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