Ten rows of handwriting lines, each starting with a solid M to copy, followed by dotted copies to trace. How to form it: A tall line down, back to the top, slant down to the middle, slant back up, then a tall line down. Say moon, monkey and milk together and listen for the sound of m at the start.

Check the pencil grip first: between the thumb and the first finger, resting on the middle finger, held loosely. Small hands tire quickly, so stop after a row or two if the strokes get shaky and come back later.