SIL Handwriting Matters Programme

Handwriting Matters: Keep it Simple. Do it Well.

A research‑aligned handwriting curriculum for EYFS–KS2

Handwriting Matters is a structured, expertly designed suite of resources that supports teachers in delivering high‑quality handwriting instruction from the earliest stages of mark making through to fluent, joined writing. All resources are fully aligned with the DfE Writing Framework and Ofsted’s Strong Foundations guidance.

Developed by SIL’s Curriculum & Assessment team, the programme builds pupils’ confidence, control and automaticity through clear progression, explicit modelling and carefully sequenced practice.

What’s Included:

Step 1: Pre‑Writing Shapes

Animated slides with audio and succinct teacher guidance that introduce the foundational movements that underpin all letter formation. This stage focuses on starting points and the direction of movements.

This step supports pupils to:

• Practise manoeuvring the thumb, wrist and shoulder muscles
• Learn essential directional movements
• Build early language around position and direction
• Develop control at a range of sizes

Step 2: Pre‑Writing Patterns

Animated slides with audio and succinct teacher guidance that build on early shapes to develop pencil control, spatial awareness and directional language. This step builds awareness and control in position, size and space between shapes, ready for the introduction of letter forms in the next step.

Pupils learn to:

• Hold and control a pencil correctly
• Master horizontal, vertical, diagonal and circular strokes
• Apply positional and directional mathematical vocabulary

Step 3: Accurate Formation (Letters & Numbers)

Three sets of animated slides with audio and succinct teacher guidance that teach accurate formation of lowercase letters, capital letters and numbers. These build on from the strong foundations taught in steps 1 and 2.

Each formation includes:

• Starting point
• Direction of movement
• Formation, size and spacing
• A brief warm‑up that links back to the pre‑writing shapes and patterns

Step 4: Accurate Formation – Joining

A comprehensive set of animated slides with audio and guidance for teaching diagonal and horizontal joins, including when letters should remain unjoined.

Supports pupils to:

• Use correct joining strokes
• Improve legibility, consistency and fluency

Assessment Tool

A simple, easy-to-follow assessment framework is included:

• Handwriting Process Analysis – observing posture, grip, paper position, directionality and pressure

Why Schools Choose Handwriting Matters

• Clear, Consistent Progression: The programme provides a whole‑school approach from Nursery to Year 6, ensuring continuity and shared expectations.
• Aligned with National Guidance: Built directly from the DfE Writing Framework and EEF recommendations, supporting strong transcription foundations.
• Practical, Teacher‑Friendly Design: Animated slides, warm‑ups, formation cues, and explicit modelling make lessons easy to deliver and highly effective.
• Focus on Physical Foundations: Posture, grip, paper positioning and movement are embedded throughout, ensuring pupils develop secure habits.

“Teachers should not underestimate the need to focus on the explicit teaching of both letter formation… and the physical elements.”

Supports Early Years Development Matters: Guidance links directly to EYFS expectations around mark-making, grip, movement, and directional language.

Who Is This For?

• EYFS, KS1 and KS2 teachers
• English and handwriting leads
• SENCOs supporting pupils with fine‑motor or transcription needs
• Schools seeking a consistent, whole‑school handwriting approach

Benefits for Pupils

• Strong foundational motor skills
• Accurate, consistent letter formation
• Improved fluency and stamina
• Increased confidence and pride in written work
• Reduced cognitive load, freeing pupils to focus on composition

Sneak a peek – click here!

Watch: How it works