ESOL Ww/E1.2a Form the letters of the alphabet using upper and lower case

Writing > Word Focus (Spelling and Handwriting) >  Handwriting > Ww/E1.2a Form the letters of the alphabet using upper and lower case
(i) form the letters of the alphabet with some accuracy in upper and lower case, developing knowledge of where to start and the way in which the letter is usually formed
(ii) Understand when lower and upper case are generally used, e.g. lower case is used for general text, but upper case is used for the first letter of names, places and dates, and may also be used for emphasis or effect, as in an advert.
(iii) hold and control pen effectively
(iv) write from left to right, and develop awareness of how the hand moves in order to do this
(v) Space letters and words appropriately and proportion letters in relation to the line.
(vi) name some of the letters of the alphabet

Example of application and level
(i-ii) Write name, date and key words on records of work.
(iii-vi) Write short personal statements using a model, spacing words appropriately and positioning them on the line.

Sample activities

  • Learners trace patterns/shapes of letters and then go on to copy or complete patterns/shapes. They draw shapes of letters in air and fill in dotted outline of letters. Learners discuss the formation of letters, in lower and upper case, learning them simultaneously: where to start each letter, direction, which letters have ‘bodies’, ‘legs’, etc. Learners go on to trace letters and short words. Using their finger to follow the direction of writing in a simple text, learners discuss the direction of other scripts and languages. Learners write simple sentences on the board in their languages, and compare these with English.
  • Learners write or copy with understanding words within lined spaces, using double-lined paper.
  • Looking at sentences on the board or OHT, learners note the space between words. They look at examples of badly spaced words within sentences and of words that are poorly positioned on the line. They are asked to say what the problem is and how it could be resolved, e.g. using the tip of the pen to mark the gap between one word and the next.
  • Learners word process sentences, focusing on the use of the space bar to make spaces between words.
  • Learners play games for learning to name the letters: pelmanism, bingo, happy families.
  • Learners spell their names to each other and write them down.

Source: Adult ESOL Core Curriculum (DfES, 2001) (pp88-89)

An introduction lesson for ESOL/Pre Entry to help build learner confidence and introduce them to college rules/expectations.

Editor's note

Two complete and very welcoming lessons. Also covers asking and responding to questions about personal information, recognising letters of the alphabet, and classroom equipment.  Lovely :)

Level
M8
Entry Level 1
English
AL SLlr/E1.4
AL SLc/E1.3
AL Rw/E1.1 Have limited, meaningful sight vocabulary of words, signs, symbols
AL Rw/E1.3
AL Ww/E1.2
Pre-entry
pre-Entry SLlr/M8.1 Listen and respond to familiar people in simple/personal contexts
pre-Entry SLlr/M8.2 Listen to & answer simple questions about personal details/experiences/events & narratives
pre-Entry SLc/M8.1 Use key words, signs, symbols when communicating about own experiences, and to recount a narrative
pre-Entry Rw/M8.1Recognise letters of the alphabet by shape, name, sound
pre-Entry Rw/M8.3 Recognise & read a growing no. of words signs symbols
pre-Entry Ww/M8.1 Write with appropriate grip making many controlled letter shapes & using a conventional sequence of letters
ESOL
ESOL Lr/E1.4a Listen and respond to requests for personal information
ESOL Lr/E1.4b Recognise different question words
ESOL Sc/E1.3a  Ask for personal details
ESOL Rw/E1.1a Recognise a limited number of words, signs and symbols
ESOL Rw/E1.3a Identify letters of alphabet in both upper & lower case
ESOL Ww/E1.2a Form the letters of the alphabet using upper and lower case

This resource will help learners recognise words related to personal information. Learners will read, match, fill in the gaps and identify the number of syllables.

Level
Entry Level 1
M8
English
Syllables
ESOL
ESOL Ww/E1.2a Form the letters of the alphabet using upper and lower case
ESOL Ww/E1.1b Use basic sound-letter correspondence & letter patterns to aid spelling
ESOL Rw/E1.3b Recognise digits
ESOL Rw/E1.3a Identify letters of alphabet in both upper & lower case
ESOL Rw/E1.2a Use basic sound-letter correspondence to sound out words
ESOL Rw/E1.1a Recognise a limited number of words, signs and symbols

This resource is useful for lessons relating to sports and diversity. It includes reading comprehension, alphabetical ordering, reading simple instructions, using a map/key, and a short writing task.

Editor’s note
Written for E1-E2 ESOL students but also suitable for E1-2 Functional English.

Level
Entry Level 1
Entry Level 2
English
Functional English - writing
Rw/E3.4
Rw/E2.4
Functional English reading
ESOL
ESOL Ww/E1.2a Form the letters of the alphabet using upper and lower case
ESOL Rw/E2.5a Sequence words using basic alphabetical ordering skills
ESOL Rt/E1.1b Obtain information from texts
Context
Sport and fitness

Phonics worksheet focusing on the /i:/ sound (with an “ee” spelling) using high frequency words for low level ESOL literacy learners.

Editor’s note
Includes ‘read & spelling, spelling (in various stages) and matching words written in uppercase and lowercase.

Level
Entry Level 1
English
AL Rw/E1.2 Decode simple, regular words
Ww/E1.3
ESOL
ESOL Ww/E1.2a Form the letters of the alphabet using upper and lower case
ESOL Ww/E1.1b Use basic sound-letter correspondence & letter patterns to aid spelling
ESOL Rw/E1.3b Recognise digits
ESOL Rw/E1.3a Identify letters of alphabet in both upper & lower case
ESOL Rw/E1.2a Use basic sound-letter correspondence to sound out words

Write or match the correct word under each picture.
Milk, bread, oil, tea, eggs, potatoes, bananas, and biscuits.

Level
M8
Entry Level 1
English
AL Rw/E1.1 Have limited, meaningful sight vocabulary of words, signs, symbols
Ww/E1.1
Pre-entry
pre-Entry Rw/M8.1Recognise letters of the alphabet by shape, name, sound
pre-Entry Ww/M8.1 Write with appropriate grip making many controlled letter shapes & using a conventional sequence of letters
ESOL
ESOL Ww/E1.2a Form the letters of the alphabet using upper and lower case
ESOL Rw/E1.1a Recognise a limited number of words, signs and symbols
Context
Catering Food Nutrition

Beautifully clear and very handy handwriting / alphabet reference sheet. Plus a lined page for practice.

Level
M8
Entry Level 1
English
AL Ww/E1.2
AL Rw/E1.3
Pre-entry
pre-Entry Ww/M8.1 Write with appropriate grip making many controlled letter shapes & using a conventional sequence of letters
ESOL
ESOL Ww/E1.2a Form the letters of the alphabet using upper and lower case
ESOL Rw/E1.3a Identify letters of alphabet in both upper & lower case

Handwriting practice sheets for class and homework, plus a handy sheet of blank (double lined) handwriting paper.

Level
Entry Level 2
Entry Level 1
English
Ww/E2.3
AL Ww/E1.2
ESOL
ESOL Ww/E2.2a Produce legible text
ESOL Ww/E1.2a Form the letters of the alphabet using upper and lower case

26 picture cards with upper and lower case letters on reverse. Use as flashcards, game cards or matching cards. 3 pages with full curriculum links and teaching ideas.

Level
M8
Entry Level 1
English
AL Ww/E1.2
AL Rw/E1.3
AL Rw/E1.2 Decode simple, regular words
Ww/E1.3
Pre-entry
pre-Entry Rw/M8.2 Associate sounds with patterns in letters, syllables, words,
pre-Entry Rw/M8.1Recognise letters of the alphabet by shape, name, sound
ESOL
ESOL Ww/E1.2a Form the letters of the alphabet using upper and lower case
ESOL Ww/E1.1b Use basic sound-letter correspondence & letter patterns to aid spelling
ESOL Rw/E1.3a Identify letters of alphabet in both upper & lower case
ESOL Rw/E1.2a Use basic sound-letter correspondence to sound out words