Letters in a word are like friends holding hands: close together, but not on top of each other.
Key idea
Inside a word, letters sit close, with just a little space between them.
Why it works
Readers use spaces to find where words begin and end. A big gap inside a word tells the reader “new word here,” so ju mp looks like two words.
Worked example: Check a word
Omar wrote c at for cat. What should he change?
- There is a big gap between c and a.
- That makes it look like two words: c and at.
- He can write the letters closer: cat.
Answer: Move the letters closer together.
- Finish a letter, then start the next one just a little way over.
- Round letters (o, c, a) can sit a bit closer than straight ones.
- Letters should not touch or bump into each other.
Common mistake
Leaving big gaps inside a word, or squeezing letters until they touch. Check by reading your word out loud: does it look like one word?
For the grown-up. Spacing comes with practice and with letters that are the right size (Tall, Short and Tail Letters). Praise the words that look right rather than pointing out every gap.