Ten rows of handwriting lines, each starting with a solid N to copy, followed by dotted copies to trace. How to form it: A tall line down, back to the top, a slant down to the bottom, then a line straight up. Say nest, nose and nut together and listen for the sound of n at the start.

Before the pencil, let the child draw the shape big in the air or with a finger on the table, saying the strokes out loud. Then trace on paper. Praise the best one in each row rather than pointing out the wobbly ones.