Years 2–4 · English
Practise joins
NameDate
Trace the grey words, then copy them neatly on the line.
in in in an an an
the the the
ing ing ing
ould could would should
ight light night bright
A little structure helps.
English worksheets · Year 2, Year 3
Handwriting worksheets
Printable handwriting practice for developing consistent letter size, first joins and fluent joined writing.
Printable handwriting worksheet
Printable sample · Years 2–4
Practise joins
Trace the grey words, then copy them neatly on the line.
Tracing and copying practice has no fixed answers. Check that letters start in the right place, sit on the line and match the grey models.
Need blank lines too? Print handwriting paper or lined paper at the size that suits your child.
Handwriting
From letters to joins
After correct letter formation, children work on consistent size: ascenders like b and d reaching the top line, and descenders like g and y dropping below the baseline. In Year 2 many schools introduce diagonal and horizontal joins, and by Years 3 and 4 writing is usually joined.
Practise common joins in short, useful words: in, an, the, ing, ould.
Handwriting
Posture and pencil grip
A comfortable tripod grip, feet on the floor and the paper slightly angled all help. Short, regular sessions build fluency faster than occasional long ones.
Use PaperKind's handwriting paper generator to print bands at 12, 18 or 20 mm for younger writers and 8 mm for older children.
Year-group applicability
Which years practise handwriting?
Designed around primary-school skill progression; your school's order may differ.
Questions