MASTER THE TRANSITION TO JOINED WESTERN AUSTRALIAN MODERN CURSIVE

Building Connection and Flow in Year 3
The Targeting Handwriting WA Year 3 Student Book by Jane Pinsker and Susan Young is a milestone in the primary writing journey, marking the transition from printing to a flowing, joined script. Designed to make learning cursive as seamless as possible, this workbook introduces the fundamental mechanics of the Western Australian Modern Cursive style. Aligned with the WA Strand Outcome Statements, this book helps students:

• Master the Three Core Joins: Develop precision and rhythm through targeted practise of diagonal joins, horizontal joins, and touch joins.
• Navigate Complex Connections: Learn the specific techniques for joining to ascenders, ensuring that letters flow naturally while maintaining their distinct structures.
• Identify Non-Joining Letters: Understand the unique rules of the WA script, including which letters are designed to remain unjoined for maximum legibility and speed.
• Build Muscle Memory: Engage in dedicated tracking exercises that introduce joins in a controlled, scaffolded way before moving to independent cursive writing.

By making handwriting a vital and compelling form of communication, this workbook ensures Year 3 students develop the fluency and stamina required for the increasing writing demands of middle primary school.

This Year 3 edition features:

• Sequential Skill Building: New joins are introduced one by one, allowing students to build their knowledge step-by-step without being overwhelmed.
• Focus on Fluency: Exercises are specifically designed to encourage a smooth, continuous movement of the pencil, reducing hand fatigue during longer tasks.
• Syllabus-Linked Outcomes: Content is directly mapped to the Western Australian curriculum, providing a reliable and professional framework for classroom and home use.
• Consistency and Legibility: Practical lessons that prioritise clear letter formation, ensuring that as students' speed increases, their work remains easy to read.

The Targeting Handwriting series is the trusted authority in Western Australian schools, providing the most effective pathway for students to master the art of joined cursive writing.