CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.K.1a
ELAKindergartenConventions of Standard English
The Standard
Print many upper- and lowercase letters.
Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts
What This Standard Means
Students need to form many capital and lowercase letters by hand. They should know that each letter has a name, a shape, and a usual way to write it. Focus on readable letter formation, not perfect handwriting.
Mastery looks like a child writing a mix of upper and lowercase letters without copying every stroke from the teacher. Students often mix up b and d, p and q, or write letters backward. Some use all capitals because those are easier. Others know the letter name but cannot yet make the shape on paper.
Ways to Teach It
- Have students build letters with play dough, then write the same letters on lined paper with a pencil.
- Ask students to write the first letter of their name, then say whether it is uppercase or lowercase.
- Show five letter cards and have students write each one on a whiteboard without tracing.
- Point out letters on a cereal box or classroom sign, then have students copy two uppercase and two lowercase letters.
Plan a Lesson for CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.K.1a
Generate a complete lesson plan aligned to this standard, with objectives, activities, and materials. Free, no account needed.
What This Unlocks
Mastery here sets students up for these next.