How to Teach Letter Formation

Teaching children how to form letters correctly is one of the most important steps in developing confident handwriting skills.

For Australian children, letter formation is even more important because handwriting is not taught using one single style across the country. Australian schools use different handwriting styles depending on the state or territory.

Learning the correct letter formation from the beginning helps children build strong handwriting habits and avoid confusion when practising at home.

Australian Kids Learn Five Different Handwriting Styles

Many parents do not realise that Australian children learn different handwriting styles depending on where they attend school.

The five main handwriting styles used across Australia are:

• NSW & ACT – NSW Foundation Font
• QLD – QLD Modern Cursive Font
• VIC, NT & WA – VIC Modern Cursive Font
• SA – SA Modern Cursive Font
• TAS – TAS Modern Cursive Font

Before practising letter formation at home, it is important to check which handwriting style your child's school uses.

Which Handwriting Style Does My Child's School Use?

Why Correct Letter Formation Matters

Letter formation is not just about making letters look neat. It teaches children the correct movement patterns needed for efficient handwriting.

• Where each letter begins
• The correct direction of each stroke
• The order of movements
• How letters connect and flow

When children learn incorrect patterns, they may find handwriting slower and more difficult to correct later.

Why Letter Formation Is Hard

Start With the Correct Starting Point

One of the biggest mistakes parents make is focusing only on the finished letter shape.

Children need to learn the movement behind the letter. The starting point and stroke sequence are what create consistent handwriting habits.

• Begin letters from the correct position
• Follow the correct stroke order
• Practise the same movement repeatedly

Teach Letter Formation Through Patterns

Children often learn handwriting faster when letters are grouped by similar movements.

• Straight line letters
• Curved letters
• Letters with similar starting movements
• Letters that use repeated patterns

This helps children understand how letters are built instead of memorising each letter separately.

Build the Skills Needed for Handwriting

Correct letter formation relies on more than knowing what a letter looks like. Children also need strong fine motor skills, pencil control and hand strength.

• Strong fingers and hands
• Controlled pencil movements
• Good hand-eye coordination
• Ability to stay within lines

Fine Motor Skills Every Child Needs Before Starting School

Use Practice That Matches Australian Schools

Generic handwriting worksheets may not always match the handwriting style your child is learning at school.

Using the correct Australian handwriting font helps children practise the same letter formation they are expected to use in the classroom.

• Matches Australian school handwriting styles
• Supports consistent practice at home
• Reduces confusion between different letter shapes
• Builds confidence through repetition

Make Handwriting Practice Positive

Children learn best when handwriting feels achievable and enjoyable.

Short, regular practice sessions are more effective than long handwriting drills that create frustration.

• Celebrate improvement
• Keep practice sessions short
• Encourage confidence
• Focus on progress

Support Your Child's Handwriting Journey

The Writeboards School Starter Kit is designed for Australian children aged 4–7 and includes reusable Writeboards, handwriting worksheets and learning activities that support correct letter formation, pencil control and early school success.

Explore the School Starter Kit

You can also explore our Australian handwriting worksheets or contact us for help choosing resources that match your child's learning needs.