Here is a rule that helps with almost every letter: start at the top. Lines are pulled down, not pushed up.
Tall letters like b, h, k, l and t start at the top line. Most short letters start at the middle line. The c letters (a, c, d, g, o, q) start just below the middle line and curve back around, the way c does.
Key idea
Start at the top: tall letters at the top line, short letters at the middle line, c letters just under the middle line.
Why it works
Pulling the pencil down toward you is easier to control than pushing it up, and starting from the top keeps your letters lined up across the page.
Worked example: Where does it start?
Where does the first stroke of d start?
- d is tall, but it begins with a c.
- So its first stroke starts just below the middle line and curves around.
- Then the second stroke starts at the top line and comes straight down.
Answer: Just below the middle line (the c), then the top line for the tall line.
Common mistake
Starting a line at the bottom and pushing up, or starting a tall letter at the middle line, so it comes out short. Find the green 1 before you write.
For the grown-up. Saying the strokes aloud helps: “b: start at the top, pull down, back up, around.” Next comes Stick Letters.