Whole-school handwriting Granular progressive plan

This comprehensive, editable Handwriting Granular Plan provides a clear, progressive approach to handwriting across the whole primary phase – from EYFS through to Year 6. This is an extensive research-based document that aims to give clear direction for staff to follow in order to the model handwriting in a progressive approach. I have spent hours (days, and weeks!) on this granular plan - so you don’t have to!

The document breaks handwriting into small, manageable steps (or “grains”), ensuring progression is carefully sequenced and accessible to all pupils. Each grain can be taught as a discrete lesson, revisited where necessary, and built upon as children’s fluency develops.

This is not a collection of individual lessons but it is a progressive, carefully researched granular plan to support daily handwriting practise. Key vocabulary, activities and steps are included - I have also included the pdf version - so you can see the font style within the document - the word document is for you to edit.

Warm-Up Integration – Every lesson should begin with engaging warm-ups that focus on bilateral movements, coordination, fine motor control, and finger strength, building the physical readiness children need to write fluently. (Many of these can be found online through videos!)

EYFS Foundations – Ideas and suggestions for continuous provision to establish strong pre-writing foundations through mark making, patterning, and gross/fine motor activities.

KS1 & KS2 Daily Practice foci – Structured daily lesson objectives focusing on correct letter formation, progressing into joins and fluent handwriting. Plan uses the Linkpen 3a font (though fully adaptable if your school uses a different font style).

Clear Teaching Sequence – Letters taught in a specific, research-informed order, building systematically into joins and more complex words.

UKS2 Refinement – Revisiting joins, developing fluency, and applying skills through statutory spelling lists and dictated sentence practice in Years 5 and 6.

Editable Format – Adapt the plan to align with your school’s handwriting policy, chosen font, and wider curriculum intent, vision, and values. (Top left box for school logo)