The Write Lesson is a research-based educational programme designed to make handwriting instruction easier for teachers. A complete series of printing and cursive video lessons, taught by one of New Zealand's leading literacy educators, Belinda Blick-Duggan, ensures consistent teaching across classrooms.

1. From Formation to Fluency
The Write Lesson emphasises a developmental progression in handwriting skills:

• Letter Formation: Lessons begin by teaching students how to form individual letters with correct shape, orientation, and size. This foundational stage ensures students develop proper motor skills and letter recognition.

• Fluency Development: Once letter formation is mastered, students advance to writing fluently using Casual Cursive. This handwriting style combines a balance of letter joins and pen lifts, promoting efficiency while maintaining legibility.
   

2. Video-Based Instruction
 

• Instructional Videos: Each lesson is delivered through high-quality, step-by-step videos. These videos model correct handwriting techniques, allowing students to visually and practically follow along.

• Short and Focused: Videos are brief, typically lasting 30 seconds to a minute for letters or letter combinations, making them manageable and engaging for students and teachers.

• Classroom Integration: Teachers project the video lessons onto a screen for the whole class to follow. This setup allows them to move around the classroom, providing individual support and ensuring effective practice for all students.
   

3. Teacher Support and Implementation
The Write Lesson is designed to empower teachers with the tools they need for successful implementation:

• Getting Started Video: Instead of time-consuming professional development, a short video guides teachers on how to use the programme effectively when they first begin. This ensures teachers feel confident and ready to integrate the lessons into their classrooms.

• Flexible Integration: Videos can be incorporated into various classroom routines, ensuring they complement broader literacy and writing instruction, including different Structured Literacy programmes. Teachers have the flexibility to determine the best starting point for their students and work at a pace that is appropriate for their students' needs.

• Printing and Cursive Lessons: The programme offers both printing and cursive lessons. Some schools prefer to begin with printing before transitioning to cursive, while others start with cursive from the outset. Research highlights distinct benefits for both styles, and The Write Lesson provides a comprehensive suite of video lessons for each.

• Alignment with the New Zealand Curriculum: The Write Lesson aligns with the requirements of the new curriculum, serving a dual purpose of teaching students while also upskilling teachers. This ensures that educators are continuously developing their own skills as they implement the programme.

• Consistency of Instruction: The programme provides consistency of instruction across classrooms, ensuring all students receive the same high-quality handwriting education.

• Individual Subscriptions: Some schools and teachers choose to organise individual subscriptions for specific students. This allows them to address diverse needs within their classroom and provide targeted support where required.

• Progress Monitoring and Assessment: Teachers can observe and assess student development directly through their practice during and after lessons. Assessment tasks are included for teachers to evaluate students’ progress and identify areas requiring additional focus.

• Integrated Spelling Patterns: New sets of spelling patterns are included in the programme, integrating handwriting practice with mastery of letters. This ensures that students reinforce both their handwriting skills and their understanding of key spelling patterns.
   

4. Student Engagement and Benefits
The programme’s student-centred design ensures effective and enjoyable learning:

• Developmentally Appropriate: Lessons are tailored to align with students’ handwriting abilities, allowing gradual progression from foundational skills to fluent writing.

• Confidence Building: Students develop both the skills and confidence to write fluently and legibly, fostering pride in their handwriting achievements.

• Multisensory Learning: The video lessons engage visual and kinesthetic learning styles, making handwriting practice more accessible and memorable.
   

5. Key Outcomes
Schools that implement The Write Lesson report significant improvements in:

• Handwriting fluency and legibility.

• Literacy skills, as handwriting practice reinforces phonics and spelling.

• Student motivation and enjoyment in writing tasks.

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