Now 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9, written from the top, as in Writing 0, 1, 2, 3 and 4.
| Number | How it goes |
|---|---|
| 5 | Pull down a little from the top line, then around the round belly. Lift, and put on its hat: a line across the top. |
| 6 | Start near the top on the right, curve down to the left all the way to the bottom, and around into a loop. |
| 7 | Across the top, then slant down to the left. |
| 8 | Start near the top on the right, curve left and down like an S, then come back up to close. |
| 9 | A small circle at the top, then a line down on its right side. |
Key idea
5 gets its hat last; 8 is one stroke, an S that comes back up.
Why it works
Making the body of 5 first keeps it in one smooth motion; the hat is easy to add after. One stroke for 8 keeps its two loops touching in the middle.
Worked example: Write 5
Leo put the hat on 5 first and then lost his place. What order works better?
- Start at the top line and pull down a little.
- Curve around the belly to the bottom.
- Lift, go back to the top, and draw the hat across.
Answer: Down and around first; the hat last.
Common mistake
Drawing 8 as two circles stacked up. It is faster and neater as one stroke: an S, then back up.
For the grown-up. Some families and schools teach 5 or 8 a little differently; if your child’s numbers are clear and start at the top, that’s fine.