Basic 6 · Ghanaian Language · Penmanship and Handwriting
Writing Sentences in Joined Script
In this topic you will write sentences in your Ghanaian language neatly using joined (cursive) script.
By the end of these notes you should be able to:
- Form and join letters correctly, including special letters
- Write sentences neatly with good spacing
- Copy and write original sentences in joined script
What you already know
- Joined handwriting (Basic 5)
Copy everything that has a blue line on its left into your notebook. The other parts are for reading.
- Strand
- Writing
- Sub-strand
- Penmanship and Handwriting
- Indicator
- B6.3.1.1.1-2 – Write sentences using joint scripts
Introduction
Neat joined handwriting is faster to write and pleasant to read. Ghanaian languages have some special letters, such as ɛ, ɔ and ŋ, which must also be joined neatly.
1. Rules for Joined Script
- Sit upright with the book slightly slanted.
- Hold the pencil lightly between the thumb and first two fingers.
- Keep all letters sloping the same way.
- Make small letters the same height; tall letters (b, d, h, k, l) and tail letters (g, p, y) the right size.
- Join letters with smooth connecting strokes.
- Leave a finger space between words.
2. Special Letters in Ghanaian Languages
| Letter | Found in | Writing tip |
|---|---|---|
| ɛ (open e) | Akan, Ewe, Ga, Dagbani | write like a backward 3; join from the bottom curve |
| ɔ (open o) | Akan, Ewe, Ga, Dagbani | write like a backward c; join from the end of the curve |
| ŋ (eng) | Akan, Ewe, Ga, Dagbani | write an n with a tail going down like j |
| ɖ (Ewe d) | Ewe | write a d with a small hook at the top |
| ƒ, ʋ, ɣ (Ewe) | Ewe | follow your teacher's model carefully |
3. Practice Sentences (Twi Examples)
"Me din de Ama." (My name is Ama.)
"Yɛkɔ sukuu daa." (We go to school every day.)
"Ɔbaa no retɔn nkwan." (The woman is selling soup.)
Copy each sentence three times in joined script. Then write three sentences of your own about your family in your Ghanaian language.
4. Checking Your Handwriting
| Question | Yes/No |
|---|---|
| Are all letters sloping the same way? | |
| Are small letters the same height? | |
| Are special letters formed correctly? | |
| Are words evenly spaced? | |
| Is my writing easy to read? |
Common mistake: Do not lift the pencil in the middle of a word unless the letter requires it, such as for dotting i or crossing t.
New words
- joined script
- Handwriting in which letters are connected.
- legible
- Easy to read.
- slope
- The slant of the letters.
- special letter
- A letter used in Ghanaian languages but not in English.
- spacing
- The gaps between letters and words.
- guidelines
- Lines that help keep writing even.
Summary
- Joined script is faster and neater.
- Keep slope, size and spacing consistent.
- Form special letters ɛ, ɔ and ŋ carefully.
- Check your handwriting with a checklist.
Class activity: Handwriting Practice
- Copy the practice sentences in joined script.
- Write three original sentences about your family.
- Use the checklist to assess your writing.
You need: Locally made handwriting sample cards, Lined exercise books, Pencils, Shallow tray of clean sand
Exercises
Answer in your exercise book first, then check your answers.
1. Handwriting that is easy to read is…
- A. legible
- B. messy
- C. tiny
- D. faint
Show answer
Answer: legibleClear.2. Which letter is special to Ghanaian languages?
- A. ɛ
- B. e
- C. a
- D. b
Show answer
Answer: ɛOpen e.3. Between words, leave about a…
- A. finger space
- B. whole line
- C. page
- D. nothing
Show answer
Answer: finger spaceEven spacing.4. All letters should slope the same way.
- A. True
- B. False
Show answer
Answer: TrueConsistency.5. The letter ŋ has no tail.
- A. True
- B. False
Show answer
Answer: FalseIt has a tail going down.6. The slant of letters is called the ______.
Show answer
Answer: slopeKeep it consistent.7. Give three rules for neat joined script.
Show answer
Answer: Same slope, same height for small letters, finger space between words.Any three.8. Why is it important to form special letters correctly?
Show answer
Answer: Wrong forms can change the word and its meaning, and make writing hard to read.Accuracy.
Homework
- Write five sentences about your school in joined script in your Ghanaian language.