Ten rows of handwriting lines, each starting with a solid D to copy, followed by dotted copies to trace. How to form it: A tall line down, then one big curve from the top to the bottom on the right. Say dog, duck and drum together and listen for the sound of d 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.