Unit 5: Cursive Handwriting: Transitions and Connections
Expert-defined terms from the Advanced Certificate in Handwriting Without Tears Methodology course at London School of Business and Administration. Free to read, free to share, paired with a globally recognised certification pathway.
**A** #
**A**
Alternate Stroke Letters #
Alternate stroke letters are letters that are formed using different strokes than the traditional print letters. These letters are designed to flow more smoothly and connect more easily when writing in cursive. Examples of alternate stroke letters include the letters "a," "d," "g," and "q."
**B** #
**B**
Baseline #
The baseline is an imaginary line upon which the main bodies of letters rest. In handwriting, it is important to keep letters consistently aligned with the baseline to ensure legibility and consistency.
Bowl #
The bowl is the rounded portion of a letter, such as the bottom part of the letter "b" or "p." Bowls can be open or closed, and their size and shape can impact the overall look and feel of the handwriting.
**C** #
**C**
Cursive Connection Points #
Cursive connection points are the specific locations where two letters connect in cursive writing. These connection points are crucial for maintaining the flow and legibility of the handwriting.
Curved Strokes #
Curved strokes are the rounded or curved lines that make up many letters in the alphabet. Examples of curved strokes include the top of the letter "a," the bottom of the letter "g," and the entirety of the letter "o."
**D** #
**D**
Descenders #
Descenders are the portion of certain lowercase letters that extend below the baseline. Examples of letters with descenders include "g," "j," "p," "q," and "y."
**E** #
**E**
Entry Stroke #
The entry stroke is the first stroke used to begin forming a letter. In some letters, the entry stroke is a straight line, while in others it may be a curved line.
**F** #
**F**
Formation Order #
Formation order refers to the specific sequence of strokes used to form a letter. Following the correct formation order is essential for developing proper handwriting habits and ensuring legibility.
**G** #
**G**
Grasp #
The grasp refers to the way a person holds a writing instrument, such as a pen or pencil. A proper grasp is essential for maintaining control and preventing fatigue during handwriting.
**H** #
**H**
Horizontal Strokes #
Horizontal strokes are the straight, horizontal lines that make up many letters in the alphabet. Examples of horizontal strokes include the top of the letter "T" and the bottom of the letter "E."
**I** #
**I**
Initial Stroke #
The initial stroke is the first stroke used to begin forming a letter. This stroke is typically a straight line that moves from left to right.
**L** #
**L**
Leading Stroke #
The leading stroke is the final stroke used to complete a letter. This stroke is typically a straight line that moves from left to right.
Letter Size #
Letter size refers to the overall height and width of the letters in a piece of handwriting. Consistent letter size is essential for maintaining legibility and a professional appearance.
**M** #
**M**
Midline #
The midline is an imaginary line that runs through the middle of the writing space, halfway between the baseline and the cap line. Letters that extend above the midline are considered tall letters, while letters that extend below the midline are considered short letters.
Modified Italic #
Modified italic is a type of cursive handwriting that is based on traditional italic script but has been adapted to include transitions and connections between letters. This style of handwriting is often used in the Handwriting Without Tears methodology.
**N** #
**N**
Neatness #
Neatness refers to the overall appearance and legibility of a piece of handwriting. Neat handwriting is free of smudges, erasures, and other distractions that can make it difficult to read.
**O** #
**O**
Open Styles #
Open styles are types of letters that have an open bowl or loop, such as the letters "a," "c," and "o." These letters are often easier for young children to learn and write because they provide a larger target area for the pen or pencil.
**P** #
**P**
Penmanship #
Penmanship refers to the skill of writing in a clear and legible hand. Good penmanship is essential for effective communication and can also have a positive impact on self-esteem and confidence.
Point of Entry #
The point of entry is the location where the pen or pencil first makes contact with the paper when beginning to form a letter. Proper point of entry is essential for maintaining the correct formation order and stroke sequence.
**R** #
**R**
Release Point #
The release point is the location where the pen or pencil leaves the paper after completing a letter. Proper release point is essential for maintaining the correct formation order and stroke sequence.
Right #
Slanting Letters: Right-slanting letters are letters that lean to the right, such as the letters "f," "l," "t," and "y." These letters are an important component of cursive handwriting and help to create a fluid and connected appearance.
**S** #
**S**
Shape #
The shape of a letter refers to its overall form and structure, including the size, orientation, and arrangement of its various parts. Consistent letter shape is essential for maintaining legibility and a professional appearance.
Slant #
The slant of a letter refers to the degree to which it leans to the left or right. In cursive handwriting, the slant of the letters should be consistent to create a cohesive and flowing appearance.
Stroke Sequence #
Stroke sequence refers to the specific order in which the various strokes that make up a letter are executed. Following the correct stroke sequence is essential for developing proper handwriting habits and ensuring legibility.
**T** #
**T**
Tail #
The tail is the portion of certain lowercase letters that extends below the baseline, such as the bottom of the letter "g" or "y." Tails can be straight or curved, and their size and shape can impact the overall look and feel of the handwriting.
Tall Letters #
Tall letters are letters that extend above the midline, such as the letters "b," "d," "h," "k," and "l." These letters are an important component of cursive handwriting and help to create a balanced and visually appealing appearance.
Terminal Strokes #
Terminal strokes are the final strokes used to complete a letter. These strokes can be straight or curved, and their size and shape can impact the overall look and feel of the handwriting.
**U** #
**U**
Uppercase Letters #
Uppercase letters, also known as capital letters, are the larger, more formal letters used at the beginning of sentences and names. In cursive handwriting, uppercase letters are often written with a combination of print and cursive strokes.
**V** #
**V**
Vertical Strokes #
Vertical strokes are the straight, vertical lines that make up many letters in the alphabet. Examples of vertical strokes include the middle of the letter "H" and the sides of the letter "E."
**W** #
**W**
Width #
The width of a letter refers to its overall horizontal dimension. Consistent letter width is essential for maintaining legibility and a professional appearance.
**Z** #
**Z**
Zones #
The writing space can be divided into three zones: the skyline, the midline, and the baseline. These zones help to organize the letters and create a consistent and balanced appearance.