Today is rung 9 of 11 on this topic
Writing a whole sentence
Can do: Writes a short sentence with a capital at the start, spaces between words, and a full stop.
Why it matters
The sentence is the unit of all later writing. Spaces and end marks are what turn a string of letters into something another person can read.
What it looks like when it's wobbly
Everything runs together with no gaps, or the sentence is a list of words with no verb.
⏱️ Two-minute check
"Tell me one sentence about today. Now write it."
Solid looks like: A capital, visible spaces, a full stop. Spelling doesn't count.
The full activity for this topic · 10 minutes
Finger Spaces
- 1They say the sentence out loud first, then count the words on their fingers.
- 2Write word one. Put a finger down after it — that's the space.
- 3Carry on, one word at a time, checking the finger goes down each time.
- 4Full stop at the end, said out loud like a full stop: "Dot!"
- 5Read it back pointing at each word. If a word is missing, they'll hear it.
If it's too hard
You write the sentence and they copy it, using the finger for spaces.
If it's too easy
Two sentences that connect, or add a because: "I like rain because puddles are fun."
Say this
"Say your sentence first. How many words? Now write them with a finger space between each."