Now we write real letters! The first three are made of straight lines only: l, i and t. Remember from Start at the Top: lines are pulled down.
- l: start at the top line and pull straight down to the baseline.
- i: start at the middle line and pull down to the baseline. Then lift and make a dot above it.
- t: start at the top line and pull down. Then cross it on the middle line, left to right.
Key idea
l is tall, i is short with a dot, and t is tall with a cross on the middle line.
Why it works
The height tells a reader which letter it is. A short i next to a tall l looks different at a glance, and the cross on the middle line keeps t from looking like a plus sign.
Worked example: Write the word it
How do you write the word it?
- i: start at the middle line, pull down, then make the dot.
- Leave a little space.
- t: start at the top line and pull down to the baseline.
- Cross the t on the middle line.
Answer: i (down, dot), then t (down, cross).
Common mistake
Making i as tall as l, or crossing t at the top line so it looks like a capital T. Check: does i stop at the middle line? Is the cross of t on the middle line?
For the grown-up. Say the strokes together as your child writes: “Top line, pull down. Middle line, across.” Print a row of each letter from the Practice sheets page to trace and then copy.