Victorian Targeting Handwriting

The emphasis on the Year 2 program is on reducing students' reliance on scaffolding and providing them with increased opportunities to take r esponsibility for producing handwriting of a consistent size, shape, spa cing and slope. To achieve this, the Year 2 books focus on: patterning practice of the focus letter within words in sentences, or within clusters of words which have a similar phonic patt ern, or are often found in Year 2 spelling lists, or are linked by theme tracing and copying sentences and words commonly found in Year 2 spelling lists practice of numerals, number words and punctu ation number words and punctuation integrated into sentences more emphasis on practice handwriting activities include puzzles, sorting activities, poems and rhymes self assessment exercises. Writing is a vital, compelling form of communic ation. To be competent writers, students' handwriting needs to be fluent and legible. The teaching of handwriting is an essential part of the wr iting curriculum. Regular practice, three to four times a week in fine m otor skills and in letter formation will ensure the development of good handwriting habits.