FM.F.120 IMITATES A V SHAPE

Here is another basic writing skill – that of turning a corner to make an angled line.

How to Assess

Assess as for FM.F.119, drawing a V shape 4 to 6 cm high so that it is the right way up for the child.

Score plus if your child draws a V shape with approximately equal sides, without lifting his crayon from the paper. The bottom of the shape should be angled and not rounded.

How to Teach

Begin teaching by adding the reminder ‘down and up’ to your demonstrations and giving physical help if necessary. Gradually reduce first your physical help, and then your verbal reminders. Continue to give a demonstration every time.

Here are some difficulties that can occur, and some ways to help. Some children lift their crayons from the paper when they reach the bottom of the downward line. This is not surprising, as previously they have always been required to go down and stop. You can help by holding your child’s hand in position as he makes the angle. Say ‘Down … CRAYON ON PAPER … and up’. Reduce first your physical help, then your verbal help.

Some children trace back up their first line instead of making an angle. If this happens, try making 3 dots on the paper (a stamp makes this fast and easy). Teach your child to begin at the top, then go down to the bottom and up to the third dot. When he is doing this, make your dots smaller and lighter until they fade right away.

Other children go round at the bottom, making a U rather than a V. You can help by prompting your child to stop (with crayon on paper) before going up. Talking about ‘points’ has helped some children: ‘Look, my V has a point. Does your V have a point? Let’s make a point.’ Touching the points on successful efforts and saying ‘ouch’ can be very motivating here!

Playtime and Round-the-house Activities

As for FM.F.119, V shapes are harder to find around the house, but some jumpers have them at the neck, a chain with a pendant has one, and so do the open blades of scissors.

Remembering and Extending

This skill can be extended to copying a V shape in the way described for a plus sign in the next skill in this sequence.

Play an imitation game in which lines, scribble, circles, pluses and Vs are interspersed. Don’t forget to copy your child’s lead some of the time.