Cursive handwriting for beginners: how to start

Cursive handwriting links letters in one flowing movement. Many learners find it faster and smoother than print once the basics are in place. Here is how to start without frustration.

Why learn cursive?

• The pen stays on the paper longer, so writing can flow faster.
• Joined letters can help with spacing and rhythm.
• It is still taught in many schools, and adults often pick it up to improve their writing.

Before you begin

• Make sure the learner can hold a pen comfortably (see our pencil grip guide).
• Use lined paper with clear guide lines.
• Warm up with loops, waves and slanted lines.

The order to learn cursive letters

Teaching letters in families of similar strokes makes cursive easier:

1. Curve letters: c, a, d, g, o, q.
2. Up-and-over letters: m, n, h, y, x, z, v.
3. Loop letters: e, l, b, h, k, f.
4. Remaining letters: i, j, t, u, w, r, s, p.

Practise each letter on its own until it looks the same each time, then move on to simple joins such as “an”, “in” and “ed”.

Practise joins and words

Start with short words that use easy joins, such as “and”, “man” and “dad”. Then move to short sentences. Lift the pen only where the letter needs it, such as when dotting an i.

Common beginner mistakes

• Pressing too hard.
• Changing slant within a word.
• Making letters too big, which breaks the flow.
• Rushing before the shapes are correct.

A simple weekly plan

• Days 1–3: one letter family, ten minutes a day.
• Days 4–5: joins and short words.
• Weekend: copy a sentence slowly and circle your best word.

Combine this with the ideas in our guide to improving handwriting, or ask a certified coach for feedback on your joins.