Level 1: Getting Started
Learning to write the ABCs, simple CVC words, and illustrate sentences
Holding a pencil correctly is an important skill in these early years.
If your child is having trouble finding a comfortable, effective grip, a pencil grip can be very helpful. These are available at most teacher supply stores.
If you’re unable to find one, a limited number are also available in Mrs. Bee’s Shop.
Focus on the letter you are currently working on, you do not need to do the abc’s in order.
Practice both the capital and lowercase letter you are working on that week.
Use primary lined paper (or pre-primer paper).
Weekly Routine:
Writing at this stage can be once or twice a week ( one day a week if you are doing 1 letter, twice a week if you are doing 2 letter that week. ( C & K or S & Z or M & N)
At each writing session, write all of the precious letters you have learned in weeks past, then practice the new letter 3–5 times, (both capital and lowercase for the new letter.)
Focus mostly on the lower case letter as that is what they are most often exposed to in reading . The capitals will come in time. ( So introduce the capitol on the focus week but practice writing lower case letters during your writing session.
Important Tips:
You do not need to fill an entire row with one letter. Short, consistent practice is best.
Once a week is plenty at this stage — keep sessions short and positive.
Note: Letters C and K can be practiced together since they have the same sound. Letters S & Z can be practiced togethers since S sometimes shares the Z sound like in “is, has, was”. Letter M & N naturally fit together. Sometimes I am anxious to let through the sounds so we can start making words.
Make-a-Word: Fun Spelling Alternative to Writing Practice
Make-a-Word is a wonderful way to practice spelling while reinforcing the letters and sounds your child is learning. It’s also a great alternative to traditional handwriting on some days!
How to Use Make-a-Word in Your Writing Block:
Ask: “Tell me how to spell_________?
.
Great Sources for Words to Write and or Spell:
All the words from the Free Phonics Charts
Your Make-a-Word lists
Tip: On days when your child seems tired of pencil-and-paper writing, switch to Make-a-Word activities. It still builds important spelling skills while keeping the session fun and low-pressure.
Teaching Letter Formation
Show your child how to form each letter
Keep movements smooth and consistent
Use the same pattern each time
👉 Watch a Demo Video
Build Skills & Endurance Over Time
Once your child has learned several vowels, you can begin adding simple words to your ABC writing practice. At this stage, you can also start focusing more on lowercase letters, while still introducing the capital letter for each new one.
During your writing block, encourage your child to spell words out loud. For example: “Tell me how to spell man.” Sound it out together: “What letter says /mmm/? What comes next?” Then write the word together as they model you.
If you are using the Phonics Charts, refer to them often. Use the rules to help teach spelling rules, such as:
“What says /sh/ — be quiet?” (for ship)
“Why can ‘o’ say its ‘o’ in go? (Because when a baby word ends in a vowel…the vowel can say it’s own name)
Progression:
Start with 3–5 words per session.
Gradually build up to 8–10 words.
Once they’re comfortable, move on to writing simple sentences (example: “I see a sun.”) and let them illustrate their sentence.
Tip: Focus mostly on lowercase letters, as they are used far more often in everyday writing. Capitals are still important, but they don’t need to be practiced as frequently.